Recently delisted Melbourne Demons midfielder Jack Billings is joining the Western Bulldogs for the 2026 season - in both an off-field and on-field sense - as the club finalises its coaching structure for next year.
After being axed by the Demons following a 17-game, two-season tenure with the red and blue, Billings was not offered an AFL contract for 2026 by any of the 18 clubs, but has been given the opportunity to play for the Bulldogs' reserves side, Footscray, next year.
In addition to bolstering the 2025 VFL premiers' midfield, Billings will also serve as a development coach with the AFL side, assisting in the growth of the Western Bulldogs' young midfield talent in the likes of Joel Freijah, Sam Davidson and Ryley Sanders.
Billings impressed in a 10-season tenure with St Kilda before departing via a trade in the 2023 trade period to the Demons, where he was starved of senior opportunities as the Demons prioritised younger players on the wing.
The 30-year-old, who was taken with Pick 3 in the 2013 AFL Draft, played 155 games for the Saints, with his final years at Moorabbin plagued by injury before the move to the Dees.
Billings' arrival to Whitten Oval also sees him reunite with former teammate Jarryn Geary, who is the tricolours' development and player leadership coach.
General Manager of Coaching and Performance, Matt Egan, highlighted the invaluable expertise Billings will bring to the Bulldogs, expressing his excitement in his recruitment for both the senior and reserve sides.
“We're really pleased to bring someone of Jack's calibre into our football club,” Egan said.
“As a club, we identified the need for a person with AFL-experience and the ability to play VFL in a development role and Jack will be a fantastic addition to our VFL program.
“Jack already has some wonderful relationships with people inside our football program from his time in the AFL, with his experience and leadership in the game the perfect platform to influence our emerging talent.”
Billings will commence his role on Friday.
Western Bulldogs 2026 coaching structure:
Senior Coach - Luke Beveridge
Forward Coach - Ben Reid
Midfield Coach - Brendan Lale
Backline Coach - Daniel Pratt
Development and Player Leadership Coach - Jarryn Geary
Development Coaches - Jack Billings, Anthony Barry
VFL Head Coach - Alex Johnson
