Trade HQ: Is it time to move Billings, should Saints target Shiel and Gaff?

ST KILDA has long-coveted Giant Dylan Shiel, but is it time for them to make a big decision on a youngster that hasn’t lived up to his Billings? David King says the struggling Saints must open the chequebook to turn their fortunes around.

THE Saints shouldn’t be where they currently reside on the AFL ladder with three wins to show for the season, but at least it forces them to be aggressive in the market place. There’s no doubt St Kilda are tendering offers akin to those of North Melbourne, just not as publicly, but unfortunately with the same results so far.

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Could the Saints make a hard decision on the underperforming Jack Billings? Picture: Michael Klein

How desperate are the Saints? The current list is the fourth-youngest in the competition and the club president Peter Summers publicly stated only a month ago that they believe this is a top-four list. Surely that belief isn’t the reality? Not knowing where you are at is the gravest error in football.

Andrew Gaff, Rory Sloane — anyone, just not no-one! The Saints need to attract a midfielder that demands a tag — someone that influences the result of games. There is not another option this year.

Jimmy Webster has had a stellar season but it’s difficult to name others that have had any more than just moments or quarters here and there without consistency across the season. I’m a believer that Hunter Clark will be a star and maybe another pre-season into Jade Gresham could expose more midfield minutes in 2019.

They’ve underperformed at the national draft recently, to put it kindly, and this is the end point of those errors. Trade Jack Billings for top draft selection. Shake up Moorabbin a little!

Get aggressive, Saints!

Premiership Clock: 5pm. Open the chequebook

Is Billy Longer’s future at St Kilda up in the air? Picture: Getty Images

IN PLAY

1. Billy Longer

Age: 25

Games in 2018: 3

Unfortunately for Billy, Tom Hickey has had a monopoly on St Kilda’s rucking duties this season, meaning there’s been little opportunity. He’s out of contract, too.

2. Jack Billings

Age: 22

Games in 2018: 12

Don’t want to see it happen, but it was flagged by David King earlier this year and it would be incredibly bold of the Saints. Could provide some draft relief given their late entry to proceedings this year.

3. David Armitage

Age: 30

Games in 2018: 7

It’s been a seesawing season for the Saints veteran who still has a year to run on his contract, with the midfielder spending chunks of time in the VFL. He finally got that back right before last season and has plenty left in the tank.

Dylan Shiel would look mighty fine in the Saints engine room. Picture: Getty Images

BUY BUY BUY

1. Dylan Shiel

Age: 25

Club: Greater Western Sydney

Games in 2018: 13

Power, class, grunt. Exactly the three traits the Saints need and while he is contracted for another season, should he want to return to Victoria, he should be target No.1.

2. Andrew Gaff

Age: 26

Club: West Coast

Games in 2018: 13

The Saints could do with some polish and pace on the outside and that’s exactly Gaff’s specialty. The restricted free agent is one of the game’s best ball-winners and he could be the cream on the top of the Saints’ midfield that they so sorely need.

3. Rory Sloane (Adelaide)

Age: 28

Club: Adelaide

Games in 2018: 6

Don’t think he’s the No.1 answer for the Saints but his class and experience through the middle certainly wouldn’t hurt. The soon-to-be restricted free agent was huge against the Eagles and he has tenacity in spades -a trait that would not be ignored by any club.

Andrew Gaff should be a top target for the Saints. Picture: AAP

WINS AND ROUNDABOUTS

Logan Austin was traded in from Port Adelaide and has been promising. The absences of Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna and Sean Dempster can’t be underestimated across the ground and also off it, which has made things tough as the Saints desperately attempt to take the next step. The club’s top draft pick Hunter Clark is the most promising addition.

FANTASY QUICK FIX

With the Saints’ goalkicking woes well-documented wouldn’t big Ben Brown be a boost? The crew at Moorabbin insist they’ve been working hard on building player confidence and ability in front of goal, but a target like big-haired Brown — who now leads the Coleman medal — would provide a prime focal point and boost the spirit of those around him.

Wouldn’t the Saints midfielders love a target like Ben Brown coming out of the goalsquare? Picture: AFL Media/Getty Images

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