Billings.

[stonecold]

Good trade bait for Hurley?????

[thejiggingsaint]

PLEASE! Tell me you're kidding.

[Sainter_Dad]

Billings will tear it up next year!!

I can feel it in my waters - and look out when he does!!!

[devil saint]

JB will be a superstar for us. Give him a break and be patient.

[bigred]

Struggled for continuity this year.

A lot of pressure on the guy. Give him another preseason.

Quite seriously could still be the best out of that draft.... Even with Bont.

[takeaway]

Comparisons Bont vs Billings are a waste of time. True, Bont looks one out of the box - happens every draft, even Bulldogs are pleasantly surprised.
Having said that, Billings is learning a new role (midfield etc) get a tank to round out his game, get used to close attention, etc. Bont has rarely been tagged, and has had a lot of support
around him. He is a different type to Billings

I am very happy with Billlings - all class & huge ceiling

[Wombat15]

I get the skill set the kid has and the fact he will be an outside player. but really hasnt set the world on fire from that draft. Bont, Cripps, Merrett (very similar player) and others like Dunstan and Acres have really kicked it up a notch this year. in this bracket you have 3 blokes that will probably win B&Fs at their respective clubs this season, one of which may be a brownlow medalist in the next 5 years (bont). Every one else is kicking on and Billings WHO WAS PICK 3 hasnt as of yet. Ive seen 2 blistering games from him in is career so far. Essendon in his rookie year and against the Dogs in the comeback game. Now im all for the seb ross late developers but this kid needs to start showing more. Drafted as a half forward who will go through the mid has never really been seen in the center of the ground or Nailing his chances in front of goal. if he hasnt kicked on by start of 2018 i think questions will have to be asked.

[Bluthy]

He is not right. He's is not kicking through it like he did early in his career. Those shots on goals goal would have gone through the sticks halfway up last year. Hopefully he can get his leg problems right.

But he knows how to the get the footy already - just another lazy 22 last night - teams would dream of having a 24 game player who does that. He is a damn good mark too that makes him hard to match up on. He needs to build his body up - he's too easy to shove off the ball. But I love his penetrating kicking when he lands them and vision. The kids going to be a major weapon for us if he can get his body right.

He seemed to be playing a bit down back a bit last night maybe trying to develop his ability to set up play from the back. Thats another learning curve for him.

[Saint_J]

JB will be a superstar for us. Give him a break and be patient.

I hope so DS,he's treading water atm. as mentioned he's not plugging goals that he would have. i rate him just a worry as he's a pick 3.

[Con Gorozidis]

Kicked 3.11 this year but missed a few where he didn't even get a point.

[Griggsy]

Not too worried about him, started the season well and fell away after the crows game and injury.

Certainly lacks confidence atm and won't take the game on, looks to hand pass instantly these last few weeks. Needs some of greshams confidence to make something happen.

[Trev from the Bush]

Apart from the mysterious disappearance of his ability to kick a goal (which will return, I'm sure) any thread titled "Billings" is the equivalent of any thread circa 2014 or 2015 (even 2016!) titled "Ross". A sure sign of supporter inpatience.

Patience needs to be practiced by all, just don't get ahead of ourselves.

[Linton Lodger]

Comparisons Bont vs Billings are a waste of time. True, Bont looks one out of the box - happens every draft, even Bulldogs are pleasantly surprised.
Having said that, Billings is learning a new role (midfield etc) get a tank to round out his game, get used to close attention, etc. Bont has rarely been tagged, and has had a lot of support
around him. He is a different type to Billings

I am very happy with Billlings - all class & huge ceiling

+ 1

[spiral3]

I really like Jack, when he is up and about he's a very damaging player
The lack of confidence at the moment is frustrating, as Griggsy said he's handing off the ball very quickly and not taking the game on.
That said he generally gives a reasonable option, to someone in more time and space.
Goal kicking from him is hugely disappointing, though his shots vs. Nth weren't easy.
Not sure I agree with Bluthy, never seen him as a super long kick like a Savage or Murdoch.

One "pleasing" aspect of his last couple of games is his contested ball work. He's winning some inside ball and looks quick of mind inside.
Has sliced into packs, gathered and dished out the ball nicely in the last couple of games.
Tends to lose his feet a bit which would be good to improve. He's not the scared outside player some people have tried to paint him as.
Tackling needs to improve also but he's having a crack, just need to improve technique.

[Con Gorozidis]

I am not worried about Billings. How old is he? Not 21 yet?
But to say Bont has has had an easy run and never gets tagged seems a bit of a stretch.
Billings played well on Sat. Just cannot kick a goal for love or money.

One goal from ten set shots this season.

[Impatient Sainter]

He was one of our better players against the Roos - STOP worrying everyone he will get there.

[BigMart]

Unimpressive

His big attribute... Skill level. Nothing startling... If anything, for the hype is underwhelming

His kicking in general has been average

He appears to run at 80% pace all the time

[dragit]

I'm not quite ready to call time on his career yet.

His kicking has been clearly effected by injury, he is one of the most gifted and creative kicks I have ever seen.

[BigMart]

I don't think anyone is calling anything on his career at this stage?

Just commenting on his current output.

If he's fit enough to run out on an AFL ground .... His kicking should be ok

[Con Gorozidis]

Billings is averaging 20 disposals per game at 72% as a 20 year old.

Absolutely laughable to be questioning him at this stage.

Only knock is he has the goal kicking yips. Not unusual to go through that for a while. If it lasts another 12 months I will be concerned.

[CURLY]

Anyone questioning Billings field kicking is a fool. One of the best users by foot I've seen for his age.

[BigMart]

His kicking was very average last week. Hasn't been great all year.

A lot of his judgement comes from draft bios and not his output... He must step up next year. May well do that.

[dragit]

I think he'll win the brownlow next year.

[8856brother]

Fumbled heaps on the weekend. Just think he's down a bit on fitness and particularly confidence.

If he can get through pre season without any issues I think (hope) we will see a different player next year. He has all the attributes.

We need him and Paddy to be great AFL players. We have invested plenty on them.

[spert]

Looks to me like a player who has the necessary skills to be a top player, but needs to build his tank and toughen up the body, same goes for Sinclair and Paddy. All things going well, these guys should do a hard preseason and come out as improved players in '17