St Kilda star Jack Billings set to cash in on career-best form with bumper next contract

St Kilda star Jack Billings is expected to command a massive pay rise on his next deal after making a sparkling start to the new season.

Jack Billings is mobbed by teammates after a late goal in St Kilda’s victory over Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

St Kilda star Jack Billings is expected to command as much as $800,000 on his next deal after making a sparkling start to the new season.

The gun midfielder had a poor season last year but has bounced back strongly, producing career-best form on a wing over the first five rounds in 2019.

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It has helped propel the resurgent Saints to top spot on the ladder and underlined Billings’ standing as one of the club’s most polished and important players.

Out-of-contract at the end of the year, Billings has wanted to focus on his football before launching into talks on a contract extension.

The move is likely to earn Billings a significant payday if he can continue to replicate the excellent form throughout the mid-part of the season.

Jack Billings is mobbed by teammates after a late goal in St Kilda’s victory over Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

While the jet ballwinner would attract significant interest from rivals, it is understood the No. 3 draft pick is happy at the Saints and has expressed no desire to leave.

Retired St Kilda great Leigh Montagna said Billings had stood up for the Saints so far this season.

“He is maturing,” Montagna said on Triple M.

“He has got the talent and the footy smarts, he has got the work ethic, he just needed to add a little bit more mongrel to his football.

“Jack Billings is finding that. At the right times he is influencing games, he has been more consistent by being able to play up on the wing.

“So, we are starting to see the best of him, but I think he has got another level to go to.”

Jack Billings has been in career-best form during St Kilda’s positive start to 2019. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images.

As one of the club’s most damaging midfielders, the 23-year-old is likely to earn in the vicinity of $800,000-a-year including incentives on his next deal, with the club desperate to hang on to the goal kicking wingman.

Billings had 28 possessions and kicked two goals in the thumping win over Melbourne on Saturday, despite close attention from Demons’ co-captain Nathan Jones.

The 90-gamer also took two crucial late marks despite some heavy physical pressure in the thrilling win over the Hawks last week.

Hawthorn champion Dermott Brereton said his skills were top-shelf.

“They have been screaming out for someone to kick the ball beautifully through the midfield,” Brereton said.

Last year Geelong had strong interest in Lorne product Jack Steven, who signed a five-year contract extension at the Saints until the end of 2020.

The four-time club best and fairest winner took some time away from the club for personal reasons but has made a significant impact in the midfield so far this season.