DUMPED St Kilda midfielder Jack Billings has responded to his axing in emphatic style, racking up 53 possessions for Sandringham in the VFL in a huge win against Frankston on Sunday.
With Saints coach Alan Richardson watching on, Billings, who was dropped from St Kilda's round 12 side that was hammered by Sydney on Saturday night, was a class above in the 22.18 (150) to 3.10 (28) win.
FROM THE TWOS Who's starring in the state leagues?
With 75 games under his belt for the Saints, the former No.3 draft pick got off to a flying start, racking up 14 disposals and slotting a goal in the first quarter.
And he didn’t slow, Billings finishing with three goals in addition to his 53 touches in a performance that is sure to do his confidence the world of good.
Billings’ numbers across the board have been down in 2018.
In 22 matches last season, when the Saints had 11 wins and 11 losses, Billings averaged 23 touches per game (7.5 contested), one goal, 3.1 tackles and 1.5 clearances.
From 11 games this season, in which St Kilda has one win and a draw to its credit, the 22-year-old has averaged 19.4 touches (5.6 contested), 0.6 goals, 2.4 tackles and 0.3 clearances.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Richardson said of Billings: "We think this will be a moment that Jack looks back on in his career and probably would rather it didn't happen, but it's been potentially a circuit-breaker to just get him back into form.
"I think it's as simple as that. He just wasn't quite able to execute his role (against the Eagles) ... there's no one working harder at their role on the training track.
"He's going to be a very good player for us for a very long time but, across the competition, there's good players going in and out all the time depending on their form.
"We expect JB to go back and get his form back pretty quick."
Mission accomplished.