JACK Billings plays footy for one reason and one reason only, and that’s to win.

As humbled as the 18-year-old is by the recognition he’s received since this week’s Rising Star nomination for his 25-disposal, three-goal performance on Sunday afternoon, his primary focus is lifting the Saints back up the ladder rather than achieving any personal accolades that are likely to come his way over the next 15 years.  

“We’ve definitely got a young group that is coming through,” Billings said on Tuesday morning.

“I know that things can turn pretty quickly. We’ll be playing finals sooner rather than later.”

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It’s hard to believe, given the maturity the left-footer exudes on the field, that this time last year he was halfway through his Year 12 studies at Scotch College in Melbourne.

But ever since Billings was drafted at pick three in November’s National Draft, he’s immersed himself in the elite sporting bubble– a journey that’s been accelerated thanks to the guidance of some more experienced Saints teammates.

“I’ve really enjoyed during the week with the lifestyle and how professional it is with training and meetings and all that sort of stuff,” he said.

“But you can’t really beat game day, when you run out there with all your teammates, you just get a real buzz.

“I’ve done a fair bit of work with Leigh Montagna. He’s been really good with day to day stuff, through the week, and at training and also in meetings with his advice.”

And despite that external pressure that’s generally associated with being a high draft pick, Billings hasn’t let it weigh him down.



“Internally, when you get to the club it doesn’t matter what pick you are,” the skilful left footer said.

“Everyone is equal and you just focus on earning the respect of your teammates, getting used to everything and training hard.”

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Yet it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the 18-year-old once the season came around, with injuries affecting his summer training program leading into the NAB Challenge campaign.

“I think the last few months I think I’ve been able to string some games together through just being consistent on the track.

“Moving forward into the second half of the year, I am just hoping I can continue to improve and continue to play some good footy.”

And despite his consistency, Billings was typically self-effacing when asked whether he believes he has any chance to take home the NAB Rising Star award at the end of the year.

“I don’t think so,” he said.

“There have been a lot of good and really strong performances from players that will be in the running. I’m just looking to keep improving each week and hopefully we can get a few more wins.”