St Kilda coach Alan Richardson says Jack Billings turned the corner against Richmond

ST KILDA’S Jack Billings has taken a step in the right direction, with his coach believing yesterday’s performance against Richmond could be prove turning point for the struggling star.

St Kilda’s Jack Billings. Picture: Michael Klein

ST KILDA’S Jack Billings has taken a step in the right direction, with his coach believing yesterday’s performance against Richmond could be prove turning point for the struggling star.

There were reports Billings — who had kicked 5.12 in the first nine rounds — was set to be dropped for the clash but he repaid the faith showed in him to record 18 disposals, seven marks and one goal against the Tigers.

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While it was by no means Billings back to his best, his improved intensity and presence impressed coach Alan Richardson.

“I thought Jack turned the corner a bit for us today,” Richardson said.

Jack Billings played his best game for weeks against the Tigers. Picture: Michael Klein

“He hasn’t been in great form. He got a fair bit of the footy last week and was able to kick a reasonably nice goal but overall didn’t play with the sort of presence that Billings plays with and brings to our team. For big parts of the game today and against quality opposition I thought he was able to do that.”

65 #AFLFantasy points for Billings in the 2nd half which was ranked third on the ground. 52 #SuperCoach points ranked him 11th on the ground after half time.

— Fantasy Freako (@FantasyFreako) May 26, 2018

Richardson also praised the game of Paddy McCartin who, returning from another concussion lay-off, was beaten by Tigers full-back Alex Rance but led well and provided a contest all day.

The Saints were left to rue a poor patch late in the third term during which Richmond kicked four goals in eight minutes as well as turnovers in their back half, but were happy with improved goal kicking accuracy as they kicked more goals than behinds for just the second time this season.

St Kilda turned the ball over 33 times in its defensive half to Richmond’s 17.

“They (Richmond) kicked 6.8 off front-half turnover. That was probably the game,” Richardson said.

Jack Billings flies but can’t hold the mark. Picture: Michael Klein

“There were periods in the game where that’s as effective as we’ve looked with our use in the back and our ability to execute in front of goals.

“That’s been a real frustration of ours. To get some real bang for buck (was good). They won the inside-50 count pretty convincingly again so to some extent that probably kept us in the contest so that was pleasing. When you consider you’re doing it against the reigning premier that was a step forward.”

Brandon White sat out the entire second half after suffering a bad cork but is expected to be available for next week’s clash with West Coast along with Luke Dunstan and Jack Newnes who also spent time on the bench after heavy collisions.

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Originally published as St Kilda coach Alan Richardson says Jack Billings turned the corner against Richmond