AFL 2021: St Kilda re-signs Jack Billings and ruckman Paddy Ryder

Three key moves at St Kilda have resulted in two players staying and one deciding his future lies elsewhere.

Paddy Ryder has re-signed with St Kilda. PIcture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Free agent Jack Billings has re-signed at St Kilda along with veteran ruckman Paddy Ryder.

But Luke Dunstan won’t be at the Saints in 2022 after coach Brett Ratten confirmed the midfielder would be looking elsewhere.

Billings, 26, has turned his back on free agency and signed a four-year-deal and will add to 144 matches for the Saints after being taken with pick No. 3 at the 2013 draft.

Ratten said despite not signing until after the season, Billings was never going to be traded.

“No, not at all,” Ratten said.

“He’s a quality player, quality person, part of our leadership group and we want to keep him.

“Jack’s been a great contributor at the St Kilda Football Club and with his age and where we can go, he’s going to be an important part.”

Luke Dunstan won’t be at St Kilda next year. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Ryder, 33, has been an instrumental figure since joining the club in the 2019 trade period, and the All-Australian ruckman has formed a special bond with fellow ruckman, Rowan Marshall.

But Ratten said Dunstan, who battled to get into the senior side for much of the season before playing some good football in the second half of 2021, won’t be at the club next year.

“Luke is looking for a new home, that’s part of footy,” Ratten confirmed on SEN.

“He did everything right in that space. He’s still on our list, but we’ve probably agreed to explore other options.”

The 26-year-old played 116 matches for the Saints having debuted in 2014.

Originally published as AFL 2021: St Kilda re-signs Jack Billings and ruckman Paddy Ryder