Melbourne recruit Jack Billings says an injury-riddled two years have not dimmed his passion for football as he hopes to play a key role in the Demons’ 2024 premiership tilt.
The former No.3 pick only managed 11 games in two seasons and struggled to break into St Kilda’s side when fit under Ross Lyon but sees an opportunity to play regular senior football again at Melbourne.
Billings’ start to the season was derailed by a broken leg before a hamstring injury and broken thumb followed.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a rich vein of form between 2017 and 2019, booting 50 goals as he averaged 23 disposals and four inside 50s per game, but struggled for consistent impact in his final years at St Kilda.
He said constant injuries had not turned him away from football and insisted his body was feeling good heading into the Christmas break.
“I always find it challenging being out on the sidelines, but I’ve always loved the game and I think it’s probably in those tougher moments when it makes you reflect and think about why you do it all,” Billings said.
“It’s the reason you commit your life to being a professional footballer – I’d say love of the game is what keeps you going during those times.
“I’m pretty hungry and motivated for next year and looking forward to being part of the Dees and hopefully contributing.”
Billings said he had met with coach Simon Goodwin shortly before the trade period and was keen on a move after 10 years at St Kilda but was in the dark over whether it would happen until the final day of the window.
His relationship with football boss and former Saints coach Alan Richardson had been a factor in his decision, but he said the main motivation was how close the Demons looked to more premiership success.
“I think the main one is where they’re at as a group. They’ve had some strong years the last few years and that’s pretty exciting, and my skill set and what I can bring, I’m hoping I can help the team going forward,” he said.
Billings said opportunities could present at half-forward, with his foot skills something the Demons sought out after struggling to create enough easy shots at goal despite no issues keeping the ball in their forward half this season.
“(Based on) some conversations and training so far, hopefully playing in the front half, across half-forward, and even in the midfield,” Billings said.
“Just bringing my strengths to the team – ball use, decision making, hopefully hitting the scoreboard, but being able to connect with our forwards inside 50 is hopefully something I can add.”
Billings did not join in a strenuous running session at the Demons’ pre-season camp in Lorne on Wednesday due to soreness but said he was just being managed after a successful block of training.
On Friday, the former Saint will marry his partner, Sarah, to cap off a whirlwind summer.
Captain Max Gawn also did not take part in drills on the ground but trained with gym equipment overlooking the field and was a vocal spectator after arriving at the camp late following the birth of his second child.
Premiership forwards Bayley Fritsch and Ben Brown, who both endured difficult years due to injury, were put through an extra high intensity running session at the end of training and completed it strongly.