2016 didn’t pan out the way Billy Longer hoped. After stringing together 34 games in his first two seasons at Linen House Centre, the ruckman didn’t register an appearance last year. Tom Hickey wrestled away the No. 1 ruck mantle while Longer endured a testing year.
But after a full summer on the track, the 23-year-old has produced two strong performances in the JLT Community Series to put his name up for selection ahead of St Kilda’s Round 1 clash with Melbourne on March 24.
Longer, who was drafted by Brisbane with pick No. 8 in 2011 before landing at the Saints at the end of 2013, says the fierce battle between the clubs four ruckmen has helped drive him across the pre-season and towards a return to senior football.
“I guess I’ve had a full pre-season and a lot of time to reset and look forward to the challenges this year,” Longer told saints.com.au following St Kilda’s win on Saturday afternoon.
“I really want to play every game but we’ve got a lot of rucks pushing so it’s going to keep me accountable to make sure I’m playing my role for the team.
“We’ve got four AFL ruckmen at the Saints who are all in good form and ready to play so everyone is putting a lot of pressure on each other to perform well.
While Longer battled concussion and form issues in 2016, American import Jason Holmes and emerging ruckman Lewis Pierce broke into Alan Richardson’s team for small bursts. But it was Hickey’s dominance that kept those nipping at his heels at arms distance.
Longer revealed the extent of the battle between the four big men on the Saints' list, explaining how the competition for a role at senior level has driven the standards at the Saints.
“Even on days when we have craft and it’s a bit lower intensity, in the ruck we’re always going hammer and tong because we all know how close it is between us at the moment,” he said. “It’s good, it keeps everyone accountable and it keeps us fighting for positions.”
