EXCITING St Kilda draftee Jack Billings has injured a quad muscle during the club's high altitude camp in Colorado.

The No.3 pick at last month's NAB AFL Draft will be eased back into full training after Christmas as part of his preparation for his maiden season at the top level.

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson confirmed Billings would return to training in the new year.

"Unfortunately Jack Billings has given his quad a little bit of a tweak today but it is going to be a fairly demanding campaign and we need the blokes to get the work in their legs," Richardson told saints.com.au.

"He is probably not going to be back kicking until after Christmas but he will still be able to do a fair bit of the load work."

Billings was St Kilda’s first draft pick at the national draft. He is a medium-sized forward with brilliant disposal who is damaging around the goals.