JB’s future at Moorabbin

[Sainternist]

I can’t think of how Jack Billings will remain a Saint at the end of the season. He has now had about half a dozen games at Sandy and simply can’t break back into the St.Kilda team. There’s no room for him in the forward line now. Can we fit him on the wing? Probably not, that’s covered by Mason and Hilly.

Tbh, I’ve never cared much for Billings. He promised so much, but has delivered precious little. I don’t like that perpetual milquetoast expression on his face, either. I’ll be happy to see the back of him. Apparently Cowtown and Wet Toast might be into acquiring him.

Thoughts?

https://www.zerohanger.com/out-of-favou ... tid=Zxz2cZ

[Saintmike65]

Billing’s career has stagnated, therefore if I was his manager I’d be suggesting a fresh start for him.

[Banger9798]

Not looking good for him.
Not desperate enough.
Shame, because at his best, he is top 10 on our list

[Ghost Like]

Hard to gauge the credibility of an article written on the 29th of May, 2023 when I got to this part...

"The Saints' midfield is currently flying with stars Brad Crouch, Seb Ross and Jack Steele leading the way."

I think I'll read trade talk at the end of the season.

[Otiman]

It begs the question, do you play him and let him boost his trade value?

[Teflon]

Hard to gauge the credibility of an article written on the 29th of May, 2023 when I got to this part...

"The Saints' midfield is currently flying with stars Brad Crouch, Seb Ross and Jack Steele leading the way."

I think I'll read trade talk at the end of the season.

Lol yes saw that “flying” ….geez these journalists are twits
That said …..Weagles would have top picks this year….very happy to talk ….Gresham another….let’s chat IF that nets me a chance at a very top pick aka Pou type or pacey ball winning midfielder with foot skills….I’m in …

[Otiman]

West Coast will need some mid aged players as they have none.

Do the deal. We can take Culley for our rehab program too.

[SaintPav]

Top ten pick for Billings?

People are dreaming.

We’ll be lucky to get pick 20.

Pick 25-35 I would say.

His training standards and commitment were put under the microscope during the off season and comparisons to Fyfe were made. Bad habits were entrenched early on by his first coach.

Sounds like RTB and his crew are addressing these legacy issues but it will take 24 months.

[Teflon]

Package him up mid teens

[lewdogs]

It begs the question, do you play him and let him boost his trade value?

He has no trade value. He has been out of contract before and no one wanted him. If he wanted to leave it would be for a late pick.

[cwrcyn]

Carlton are desperate for a player of his type. Their small forwards are terrible. I'm sure they'd be keen

[SaintPav]

Correct. If I was an opposition club, I wouldn’t go there. Simply not desperate enough and goes missing far too often. Also, he has missed so much football the last few years which is problematic in itself.

[shanegrambeau]

One hammy away from retirement

[Teflon]

Correct. If I was an opposition club, I wouldn’t go there. Simply not desperate enough and goes missing far too often. Also, he has missed so much football the last few years which is problematic in itself.

Please! That is not how we sell..
He’s a match winner
Electric skills off both sides
Proven goal kicker
Leader and all round good guy
Works at soup kitchens in spare time
Brownlow not beyond the realm of possibility
Just lacked opportunity is all…after 7 years…

[SaintPav]

[Premium89]

Funnily enough, this could have been happening on the north Melbourne forum a few years back, talking about mason wood.

I guess for every mason wood, there’s plenty we don’t hear from again.

[skeptic]

Sometimes it takes that savage cut for a player to realise they’re a step away from the end.

If I was an opposition club, Billings for a third rounder and a lesser salary seems like it would be worth a punt.

It’s always the challenge… is it worth a third rounder for him? Is he worth more to us than that?

[saynta]

I can’t think of how Jack Billings will remain a Saint at the end of the season. He has now had about half a dozen games at Sandy and simply can’t break back into the St.Kilda team. There’s no room for him in the forward line now. Can we fit him on the wing? Probably not, that’s covered by Mason and Hilly.

Tbh, I’ve never cared much for Billings. He promised so much, but has delivered precious little. I don’t like that perpetual milquetoast expression on his face, either. I’ll be happy to see the back of him. Apparently Cowtown and Wet Toast might be into acquiring him.

Thoughts?

https://www.zerohanger.com/out-of-favou ... tid=Zxz2cZ

"The Saints' midfield is currently flying with stars Brad Crouch, Seb Ross and Jack Steele leading the way. With the emergence of young guns Mattaes Phillipou and Mitch Owens, Billings' position seems to be on the ropes."

I don't know who wrote that bulls***. Flying my arse.

[Sanctorum]

I expect JB will get a game at some stage in the next month, maybe start as a sub, and given an opportunity to play for his career.

While overall he has been underwhelming in 152 games over 9 seasons, at his best he is most definitely a valuable asset. He is listed as a midfielder yet has rarely spent any time in that role.

As things stand, I rate Jack Billings (aged 28) ahead of Seb Ross (aged 30) in terms of effective disposal when he gets the ball so maybe outside mid could prove successful for him. God knows St Kilda needs to strengthen its midfield and JB may just be the one to do it.

[bakes]

His trade value has diminished so much that it's not worth trading him out. We should have done it 4-5 years ago.

Best to retain him now and re-train him into the new game plan like they are doing with Windy.

JB will come in at some stage.

[therabbitinthehat]

I'd be surprised if he went - he got name dropped by RTB a couple of weeks ago as being someone he's looking forward to getting into the team along with windy

[Teflon]

That may be true and you wouldn’t give him away but that said this sane core experienced midfield group have brought down Richo and Ratten…..IF Lyon doesn’t take the opportunity to find areas where he can make change….they’ll bring him down too
Got to get creative to get into top eve draft now before Tassie etc come in

[saintbob]

It’s entirely up to Jack if he can produce his best footy then he’s clearly in our best 22, but as RTB said the other day JB has done next to no preseason so he was a long back as far as fitness goes.

[Yorkeys]

JB is a class above Butler and Higgins. Future is with STKFC. And is a class above Byrnes if it comes to that. We have several plodders but Jack is talent. Odd to be ragging JB when he isn't even in the team putting in low energy dumbness. We are good at deflecting, excusing, buying tripe and illogical rationalisation. Clean out the dross before the skilled, or don't we role that way.

[shanegrambeau]

JB is a class above Butler and Higgins. Future is with STKFC. And is a class above Byrnes if it comes to that. We have several plodders but Jack is talent. Odd to be ragging JB when he isn't even in the team putting in low energy dumbness. We are good at deflecting, excusing, buying tripe and illogical rationalisation. Clean out the dross before the skilled, or don't we role that way.

Are you talking about JB prior to the back injury and multiple soft tissue injuries? Or JB circa 2023? Because if 'class' doesn't translate into lateral movement, the ability to spin and duck in traffic, to sprint and burst outside, then there is a definite re-evaluation of potential. Might not be done, but a sharp boot, good hands and spacial acumen might or might not be enough to compensate for the loss of the mechanical stuff.