Young Saints Jack Billings and Seb Ross have been recognised for their strong performances against Carlton on the weekend with spots in AFL Media’s Round 8 team of the week.
In his 50th game since being drafted with pick No. 3 in the 2013 National Draft, Billings was the clear standout in St Kilda’s 19-point win at Etihad Stadium, with Alan Richardson and Brendon Bolton allocating him the maximum amount of coaches votes.
Playing as a permanent forward, Billings amassed an equal career-high 30 disposals, to go with a new personal best five goals and 12 marks, along with 12 score involvements and 568 metres gained.
Ross, who continues to establish himself amongst the elite bracket of midfielders in the game this season, was named on the bench after he collected another 30+ disposal haul, this time finishing with 31, six marks, six clearances and two goals.
The 24-year-old’s second goal midway through the last quarter put the Saints back in front at a crucial time in the game after Carlton had gained the ascendancy.
After eight rounds of 2017, Ross sits alongside Wester Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli in equal fifth in the AFLCA champion player of the year award on 31 votes, four votes ahead of Saints star Jack Steven who rounds out the top ten.
