Jack Billings has moved forward in more ways than one in recent weeks. The smooth mover has played as a permanent forward in the last fortnight where he has thrived closer to goal. He made a big impact against Hawthorn in Launceston and was one of the best players on the ground against the Giants on Friday night.
According to Champion Data, Billings was the second highest ranked player behind Jack Steven in Friday night’s 23-point win at Etihad Stadium, finishing with 22 disposals, 11 score involvements, six tackles, six inside 50s and 2.3.
While he hasn’t made the most of his chances in front of goal so far this season – he has kicked 4.12 – the 21-year-old’s penetrating left foot has created plenty of scoring opportunities for the Saints – he is ranked No. 2 at St Kilda for score involvements in the last month.
“The last couple of weeks I’ve been more of a permanent forward,” Billings told saints.com.au after St Kilda’s 23-point win over Greater Western Sydney on Friday night.
“I had a little bit of a chat to Richo the last couple of weeks and he’s pretty keen to just get me in front of the ball in the front half so I’ve been playing there.
“I’ve kept it simple, played my role and it’s been good. I’m enjoying (the role), we’re playing well, I’m loving the style of footy we’re playing, all the boys are buying in, so it’s great to be a part of.”
Billings said the Saints have improved their midfield depth this season, with the inclusion of Koby Stevens and Jack Steele helping spread the load in the engine room.
“I think you see all the good sides have got a lot of depth, especially through the midfield. You need eight, nine, ten guys who go through there each game,” he said.
“We’re working towards that and all our mids did really well tonight which is pretty positive.”
With St Kilda a kick down at three-quarter time and in a similar position to a fortnight earlier against Geelong, Billings said the focus at the final break was on redemption after the poor finish against the Cats in Round 5.
“We had a chat about finishing off our work; I think we were a goal behind at three-quarter time tonight, so we were definitely still in the game. We just really put it on ourselves to get the job done. We’re so pumped to get the win,” he said.
