CREATIVE St Kilda half-forward Jack Billings has put the disappointment of a season-ending fracture behind him, saying in the long run he'll be better for it.

Speaking to AFL.com.au at the Saints' pre-season training camp on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, Billings described the shock of missing the final 12 games of 2015 with a fractured tibia.

The 20-year-old said he had to quickly get it in his head that he wouldn't play beyond round 10 and that his next senior game wouldn't be for almost 10 months.

Once accepting his fate of rest and then rehabilitation, the No.3 pick from the 2013 NAB AFL Draft said he moved forward quickly.

A few minutes of chatting with Billings and it's obvious he's noticeably stronger – top to bottom – and in a good headspace entering his third season in the league.

"No player likes to be on the sidelines watching the boys run out each week," he said.

"It was a bit of a shock to the system to be honest. I've never missed half a season, so it was quite challenging.

"The recovery was going to be quite lengthy, so I spent some time away and when I was cleared to start rehab, you've just got to find that motivation to get yourself right.

"I remember saying to someone at our best and fairest night that it felt like we were finishing for the year, but for me I was starting because I'd had the second half of the year off.

"It was unique, but I've definitely learnt a lot and I think it'll help me in the long run."

Billings said aside from improving his strength, he was able to work on his endurance – via cross training.

He's still on a modified training program and not expected to be in full training until after the Christmas break, but is hopeful of cracking into the Saints' midfield in 2016.

Billings' evasion and precise left foot have made him a valuable forward line contributor in his first 25 games, kicking 21 goals, but he now says he's ready to resume in the middle of the ground where he made his name as a junior.

And Mav Weller, a member of the Saints' leadership group, agrees, saying what Billings offers is exactly what St Kilda needs.

"He's silky and he's learnt to work hard," Weller said.

"His skills are so good and he's not afraid to take the game on with his kicking.

"I think Jack's going to be a terrific player and I'm expecting pretty big things from him this year."