Connection between players and coaches key focus for St Kilda after mass changes ahead of 2020

Golf, surfing and a day at a water park — it hasn’t all been fun for St Kilda players on their pre-season camp but Jack Billings believes it, and the team bonding that comes with it, has the team primed for next season. See the photos.

Jack Billings is tackled during a training session in Geelong. Picture: Michael Klein

Golf, surf and a freezing cold day at a water park.

And plenty of training, too.

St Kilda has thrown its usual pre-season routine out the window and travelled to Barwon Heads for a training camp that forward Jack Billings said has laid the perfect foundation for the team’s tilt at 2020.

The 24-year-old said that the camp, which has in recent years been typically held in the new year, was a sign of the change that has swept through Moorabbin under coach Brett Ratten and thanks to a huge injection of new talent.

“We’ve had a fair bit of change over the off-season with players coming in but also leaving. It’s a different group, so it’s been good to come away for a few days and get to know each other better and spend some time together,” Billings said.

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Jack Billings is tackled during a training session in Geelong. Picture: Michael Klein

New Saints ruckmen Paddy Ryder and Ryan Abbott do battle. Picture: Michael Klein

There was no tapering off as the camp wore on, with the Saints put through a lengthy session in Geelong to close out the three-day affair.

Skipper Jarryn Geary watched on as he works back to full training after breaking his leg in China in May, while defender Dylan Roberton trained fully as he eyes a Round 1 return after missing 2019 with a heart problem.

Dan Hannebery – who broke his foot in October – did not train with his teammates, instead embarking on a gym session indoors.

New coach Brett Ratten speaks to his players. Picture: Michael Klein

Bradley Hill was looking pretty happy to be doing a running session. Picture: Michael Klein

Some players – including speedy recruit Bradley Hill – had earlier channelled their inner kids at an adventure park, “running up and down the stairs of the waterslides to keep warm”, while others embarked on a round of golf in their spare time as the connection between players new and old continues to develop.

“(In the meetings), we’ve spoken about culture and the environment we’re trying to build here,” Billings said.

“Some of the discussions that have been had have been really good.

“We’ve just got to work really hard and really jell and connect with each other. We’re different personalities in a footy club … which is a good thing.”

Dylan Roberton is in full training. Picture: Michael Klein

Captain Jarryn Geary is on the comeback trail from injury. Picture: Michael Klein

Former Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead in his new role. Picture: Michael Klein

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Former Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead has been a vital resource for players, Billings said, with coach Brett Ratten invigorating the young gun’s anticipation for next season.

“In footy, every year is different, and that’s a great thing,” he said.

“The game always changes, so you need to change as well. It’s the most excited I’ve been.

“There’s so much optimism, especially in Ratts. He’s just been amazing. He already had 12 months in the footy club which I think has been really beneficial.

“Hopefully we can build from there and I’m really excited to play for him.”

Originally published as Connection between players and coaches key focus for St Kilda after mass changes ahead of 2020