JACK Billings’ three-year-deal is the final announcement in an unprecedented wave of signings in St Kilda’s #SaintsFutureFest campaign.
Over the past month, the Saints have confirmed the re-signings of 19 young players, all of whom have arrived at the club in the past three years.
The #SaintsFutureFest has seen the biggest group of re-signings ever announced by an AFL club.
Youngsters Luke Dunstan, Josh Saunders, Jack Newnes, Lewis Pierce, Darren Minchington, Blake Acres, Spencer White, Jimmy Webster, Eli Templeton, Seb Ross, Daniel Markworth, Tom Curren, Josh Bruce, Brodie Murdoch, Nathan Wright, Cameron Shenton, Billy Longer, Tom Lee and Billings formed the group of players to have committed to St Kilda’s future.
St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis said the #SaintsFutureFest showed unity and a long-term view among the next generation of St Kilda stars.
“Having so many players committing at the same time speaks volumes about the determination and loyalty among our playing group, particularly our younger players,” Finnis said.
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“It also shows St Kilda fans that this group of younger players are here for the long haul and that there are plenty of exciting times ahead for our proud football club.
“These players have committed to a St Kilda future and now we are asking our supporters to commit to the same thing, by signing as a member in 2015.”
St Kilda Head of Football Chris Pelchen said the 19 re-signings were a clear indication that the players involved were committed to a long-term future with the Saints.
"The support of all players associated with the Saints Future Fest initiative has been an overwhelming endorsement of the direction of the St Kilda Football Club,” Pelchen said.
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“Many of the young players involved have received some interest from opposition clubs, so their willingness to re-commit to the Saints - many for the long term - is extremely pleasing and provides a solid foundation on which to further develop the player list in coming years."
Pelchen said the young group that had committed together were part of a club-wide push to build towards St Kilda’s next flag.
"St Kilda Football Club is strategically building for success - both on and off the field - with the young talent being assembled representing an exciting future for the club. While we acknowledge that challenges may still exist in the short term, we won't deviate from our commitment to relentlessly work towards a second premiership for the Saints," he said.
"Through careful and deliberate planning, we remain confident that success is not too far away."
Now it's your opportunity to commit to our great football club.
Join the next generation of young stars and become a Saints member today.
Go to saintsmembership.com.au for more information.
