Jack Billings is looking forward to spending more time in St Kilda’s midfield

St Kilda forward Jack Billings is seeking better consistency next season as he eyes a greater midfield role alongside new recruit Dan Hannebery.

Jack Billings is aiming for more midfield time. Picture: Getty Images

St Kilda forward Jack Billings is eyeing a greater midfield role next season and says recruit Dan Hannebery’s attitude and leadership is already having a big impact on himself and the rest of the playing group.

Billings, who is out of contract at the end of next season, said he would work hard over the summer to prove himself capable of a more prominent onball role, having spent much of his first five seasons in the attacking half.

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The 23-year-old struggled to find consistency at times last season and kicked at just 35 per cent accuracy in front of goal, finishing with 14.19 for the season and missing seven shots all-together.

“Probably the main thing is just consistency,” Billings said.

“Hopefully I can play at a high level each week and just play my best for the team.

“I still like playing forward as well so it’s obviously going to be a bit of both but I think I can really help through the midfield. But I’m going to have to work really hard over the summer and show Richo (coach Alan Richardson) and the coaches that I need to spend more time there and help the side.

“But I’d definitely still like the combination of midfield and forward and I think that’s one of my strengths.”

Jack Billings intends to work hard over summer. Picture: AAP

A midfield move would see Billings lining up alongside Hannebery, who has impressed during his first two months at Moorabbin after 208 games for Sydney over a decade.

“He’s a bull at a gate which is awesome to have around the club and I guess there will be a lot of talk about his performance on the field but I think the biggest impact he’ll have next year will be stuff that you can’t really see,” Billings said.

“It will be the impact on guys around him, me included, and the leadership he brings in that aspect. So it’s really exciting already, only a few weeks in of what he’s been able to do for the group and continue forward and looking forward to playing with him as well.”

Dan Hannebery is having an immediate impact on the training track. Picture: Getty Images

Billings said trimmed-down forward Paddy McCartin was also “in great nick” at training and was primed for a big 2019 if he can stay on the park after injury and concussion issues restricted him to 13 games this year.

“He doesn’t have to come out and kick four or five every week, he just needs to play his role and be a big presence up the ground,” Billings said.

“That’s what we’ll be looking for him to do but he’s put in a lot of work over the last two or three months physically and he’s running really, really well. He’s working hard and I’m really excited for him next year. Hopefully with his injuries and also the concussion stuff he’s had in the past he can have a full run at it and be a big contributor for us.”