Jack Billings has 53 disposals and kicks three goals for Sandringham in the VFL
JACK Billings may have been dropped by St Kilda for Saturday’s clash against the Swans — but that’s wasn’t going to hinder his VFL performance for Sandringham.
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AXED St Kilda midfielder Jack Billings made a statement to Saints’ selectors in Sandringham’s 122-point rout of Frankston on Sunday.
Billings had 14 disposals and a goal in the first quarter and finished with 53 disposals and three goals, putting his hand up for an immediate return after he was dropped for Saturday night’s clash against Sydney.
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Sandringham coach Aaron Hamill said Billings’ best-on-ground display could win him a recall for St Kilda’s clash against fellow struggler Gold Coast on Saturday.
Billings’ highest disposal tally in the AFL this year is 26 in Round 1. In 75 AFL games he has never had more than 32.
“He came back with the right attitude and gave himself the best opportunity to perform,” Hamill said.
“However long he is at VFL level, who knows, that will be up to match committee and we’ll sit down during the week but he’s certainly thrown his magnet back up there.”
Returning forward Josh Bruce made an impact, kicking three goals in the first quarter on his way to four majors for the day before sitting out most of the final term.
Doesn’t the Saints ruck coach coach Frankston?
— Matthew Lappin (@skinnylappin) June 10, 2018
Well played Saints match committee, no tag I’m assuming with those numbers. Nothing to see here
It was Bruce’s first game since Round 3 against Adelaide, when he suffered bone stress in his back.
David Armitage also continued to push his case for a senior recall, collecting 37 disposals in the 22.18 (150) to 3.10 (28) thumping at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The veteran midfielder, who turns 30 this week, has averaged 35 touches in his three VFL games after he was dropped for the Round 10 clash with Richmond.
In his first game in three weeks after a shoulder injury, luckless midfielder Nathan Freeman put his hand up for an AFL debut with 26 disposals.
But Hamill said Freeman needed to continue to build his match hardness before receiving a senior call-up.
“I think he’s got a little bit more continuity to get but he’ll certainly be in (AFL) discussions at some stage,” he said.
Meanwhile, Richmond forward Daniel Rioli survived an injury scare to push his claims for his first game since last year’s Grand Final.
Rioli kicked two goals and showed exciting bursts of speed but left the ground to have his foot examined in the last quarter. He returned to play out the match.
Jacob Townsend also kicked two goals and had 11 tackles, Corey Ellis had 28 disposals and Shai Bolton put in a contender for VFL mark of the year with a spectacular grab in the tense final term.
Williamstown won the tight contest by 12 points.
Shai Bolton of @RichmondVFL taking a flying mark during today's VFL clash. #VFL pic.twitter.com/6Ktysh11YH
— Morgan Hancock (@m_hancock29) June 10, 2018
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