Jack Billings' time at the Saints could be coming to an end. The 27-year-old sustained an injury in the off-season suffering a hairline fracture in his right leg. After managing only eight senior games in 2022 it seems that other clubs may be interested in his services.
Billings has proved himself at a senior level across his nine seasons with the Saints, averaging just shy of 21 disposals for his career. It's unclear whether Billings is in new head coach Ross Lyon's plans or if its time for him to consider a move elsewhere.
The midfielder returned to football through the VFL in Round 5. Since then, he has played every game for Sandringham and averages 23.2 touches and just under a goal a game. In his return game to the VFL, he kicked three goals along with 22 disposals.
The Saints' midfield is currently flying with stars Brad Crouch, Seb Ross and Jack Steele leading the way. With the emergence of young guns Mattaes Phillipou and Mitch Owens, Billings' position seems to be on the ropes.
On SEN Breakfast, reporter Tom Morris revealed the belief that clubs across the competition are viewing the midfield-forward as "gettable".
“The view from other clubs is that he is extremely gettable," said Morris.
“If you offer St Kilda a good deal, he'll be keen for senior opportunities, and the Saints will allow him to move on".
Morris continued describing Billings as "a cream-on-top, classy sort of player". His talents seem to be wasted in the VFL and he could be a suitable pickup for a number of AFL sides.
The struggling West Coast Eagles are slowly but surely losing their current experienced players as age starts to catch up. Billings, at only 27, has years left in his career and could bolster an injury-riddled and ageing Eagles side.
Another club that could use Billings' services are the Richmond Tigers. The once-dominant Tigers side is starting to lose the talent that gave them so much success as veterans Jack Riewoldt and Trent Cotchin near retirement. New recruit Tim Taranto has provided most of the midfield work. Billings could provide some craft as a midfielder to relieve some of the pressure on the Tigers' top talent.
A side that doesn't lack in midfielders at all may ironically need a player like Jack Billings. Carlton has struggled all season with their goal-kicking. Despite their two Coleman medallists up forward, the midfield group does not consistently hit the scoreboard. Billings, who at St Kilda averages just under a goal a game (0.7), could prove to be a much-needed goal-scoring midfielder. He's proven in the VFL this year that he can do some damage on the scoreboard, it's just a matter of giving him a chance at the senior level.
While the once-star Saint was a mainstay in the side's best 22, it seems as though his time may be up at Moorabbin as opportunities look hard to come by under Lyon.
He's proved himself in his VFL return this season, whether other clubs believe he is of use at the senior level is yet to be seen.
