Crystal Ball on Billings

[sendmehomehappy]

There has not been much news on JB so far this season. Early days I know, but he has been keeping a low profile.

Overall, his output and performance have disappointed many, given his draft pick position. Myself included.
Many have needed to reset their expectations. He seems to have been around forever now.
He was just average last season but injured, and as unfit as all the others.

His courage has been questioned by some. I have also at times, but then I have seen him do some incredibly tough things for a guy of his size and frame.

I think Jack has been the victim of Richo and club poor development.

With another reason with Ratts, the first with Carroll and the other new coaches, the big question is, can he go to another level?

With extra fitness, and a good free run from injuries, and the help from the new staff, I reckon he can find the self-belief and confidence to achieve the next level consistently.

What a bonus to the team if he could.

What do you guys think?

[Trev from the Bush]

I think it is obvious that Raph Clarke needs to come back, no player has lived up to his level of whipping boy since he left.

[skeptic]

Billings is pbly the single most player who, if he went up a level, would transform this team into a serious contender.

He gets marked harshly but because we’ve all seen his better games and want to see more of them

[The Fireman]

Sinclair s transformation has been pleasing.
If Billings could turn the same corner we would be A Genuine contender

[The_Dud]

Was one of our best for the first half of last season.

He is harshly marked by many IMO, especially his courage. Have seen him put his body on the line numerous times.

[Saintmike65]

Sadly, JB unfortunately still lives in the shadow of Bontempelli.
It’s about time the coaches realise he is a creative high half forward…NOT a midfielder!

[saynta]

I think it is obvious that Raph Clarke needs to come back, no player has lived up to his level of whipping boy since he left.

I think some had Coff lined up for that position, but unfortunately for all, he will miss this year.

Billings might fit the role for some.

[Yorkeys]

40 goal year, one spectacular mark in the square vs Cats, and set shot yips will be gone. That will be $5 plus GST. Wait: he may buy and electric car after June and dabble in the media, but that bit is clouding over.

When the ball clears again do you want to know who wins the election?

[MC Gusto]

He was flying last year until he copped the injury. Prob the best stats of his career
You can’t underestimate how restricted he was due to the injury nor should his courage be questioned given he was playing hurt.

The club really should have rested him

I still have the faith he can be a weapon and needs to be in that high half forward role permanently- can’t remember who mentioned it but I think that’s the plan Ratts has for him

Not getting interest from other clubs last year would’ve have been a bit of a wake up for him but that’s neither here nor there

I reckon 22 could be his year

[B.M]

Bit easier to play HB

How did Sinclair go as a HF?

It’s a tough gig!

I reckon if JB played across HB he would rack up 25pg and be more consistent

But he has the talent to play in front of the ball, so is utilised there

Those who think JB is small, clearly haven’t stood next to him
He’s 184cm 82kg

Also those who say he’s soft
Confuse outside player with soft player… he goes when it’s his turn… just doesn’t have to do it as much in his role.
He’s not a 6 clearance, 5 tackle 15 contested possession player
No HF in the AFL is

Don’t compare apples to oranges

[The Fireman]

Apple’s are crunchy

[The Fireman]

.

[Banger9798]

He needs to have a big second half of a season

[Zed]

Being a number 3 draft pick , I think we all hoped he would turn out to be match winner. I think he is a high half forward, not a mid , and I certainly don’t think he is soft.

Unfortunately he is just a good average half forward, and not a Stevie Johnson (ex-cat) who could turn a game off his own boot.

Still , there is a place for JB in our next premiership team.

[Zed]

Being a number 3 draft pick , I think we all hoped he would turn out to be match winner. I think he is a high half forward, not a mid , and I certainly don’t think he is soft.

Unfortunately he is just a good average half forward, and not a Stevie Johnson (ex-cat) who could turn a game off his own boot.

Still , there is a place for JB in our next premiership team.

[shanegrambeau]

Sinclair s transformation has been pleasing.
If Billings could turn the same corner we would be A Genuine contender

Thought that too...

'Johnny Player Specials' Jack Sinclair was the bomb in '21. Maybe, JB can do it, too. Harshly marked, yes.

These other softies like Hill and Sincs have made a killing in defence...but that lifeboat didn't have a seat for JB.

He has the talent. I think he is the most underrated player on the list now..

[ROLS-LEE]

Billing's potency levels to our team is heavily reliant on a dominate midfield that lowers the eyes and hits targets. The chaos ball in bombing it long to King has not helped the cause. If he kicks a few goals and gets the confidence up then watch out.
He is not going to out run the opposition, nor is he going to out body them. All he can do is out smart and out work them, hence a dominate midfield is important.

[mad saint guy]

I think Billings isn't the game-turning matchwinner that he was billed to be pre-draft, but he is a skillful outside player who can be quite effective as part of a functional team setup. I'd like to see him going back to playing as a high half forward (the role that Dean Kent has been playing). He's shown an ability to get plenty of the footy in this role, can hit the scoreboard and is a good distributor going inside 50.

If he stays injury free and plays across half forward I think we can get 20 disposals, 1.5 goals and 1 goal assist from him per game.

[minneapolis]

.

Again, spot on.

[Vortex]

It feels like there is an elephant in tbe room with all this defense of him.

[desertsaint]

not a fan. another one not playing to his potential. just doesn't impact enough games.

[The Fireman]

not a fan. another one not playing to his potential. just doesn't impact enough games.

Yep agreed. If he doesn’t turn the corner this year trade bait

[CQ SAINT]

Its only a practice match but I reckon he might have a big game today

[samoht]

Maybe Billings has already reached "the player he could be" ... and there aren't any further levels of improvement in him? ... while players like Sinclair was a slower burn and had another level to reach?

There are players like that too ... I mean Steele, Ross, Battle, etc... took their games to a new level under AR and have plateaued since (Steele probably went another level again - but that's Steele).
And I'm not going to blame BR for that (or for Hind taking his game to another level at Essendon - I give all the credit to Hind).

It's about the players themselves and how they develop.

Some may reach their ceiling sooner than others.

But ...
How the coach could help is by figuring out which position best suits players, eg, it might be Battle at CHB, Sinclair on the HBF (it's worked), etc...
Maybe it is HFF for Billings ... and just let him settle there?

[Impatient Sainter]

Hind had the ability at the Saints - Ratts just never gave him time to settle across the HB line. His improvement was the result of opportunity and backing. Hopefully Billiings as a half forward can do the same, but he will never take the next step until he can get his goal kicking sorted. He needs to become a highly dependable kick on goals and his team mates will look for him more.