St Kilda’s Shane Savage has supported out of favour teammate Jack Billings, after his omission from the Saints’ senior side for the clash with Sydney tomorrow night.
Coach Alan Richardson has been on the edge of making a selection statement for a few weeks, finally pulling the trigger by dropping Billings.
The talented 22-year-old hasn’t lived up to his potential in 2018, but Savage believes Billings is taking an optimistic mindset into the VFL.
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“I haven’t spoken to him but during weights he got spoken to and he seemed really positive about it,” Savage told SEN Mornings.
“Obviously he hasn’t quite reached the form that perhaps he wanted to this year.
“I’m sure he will go back with a really good attitude and play some really good footy and hopefully come home hard in the second half of the year.”
BILLINGS OMISSION “A BIG FALL FROM GRACE” SAYS WALLACE
Billings has kicked just six games from 11 games this season, while averaging 19.4 disposals.
Savage has declared his lack of impact isn’t due to a lack of confidence, noting the Saints’ poor ball use has played a role in Billings’ performances.
“I definitely don’t think his work rate (has been an issue)…his GPS stands up with some of the best in the team,” he said.
“The ball movement probably hasn’t helped his cause, I know that half forward position, when your team isn’t going that well, is a hard position to play well in.
“I’m not too sure if it’s a confidence thing but I’m sure he is working on it and he will go back and hopefully play some really good footy and come back strong.”
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