St Kilda restricted free agent Jack Billings is reportedly keen on staying with the Saints, as discussions on a new contract have begun.
The 25-year-old's inclination to stay has been reciprocated, with the Saints indicating their desire to retain Billings, according to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey.
The crafty left-footer has averaged 20 disposals and nearly a goal a game this season, all while under the constraints of a plantar fascia injury he suffered pre-game in April.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Since he is a restricted free agent, the Saints could match another team's bid for Billings - if a deal was not achieved at St Kilda - and force a trade, however they would also be able to secure a free agency compensation pick if he departed.
According to Twomey's report, Billings could land the Saints a compensation pick similar to the one Adelaide gained for losing Brad Crouch last season (a second-round selection) should he depart Moorabbin at the end of the year.
Billings has played 142 games since St Kilda selected him with the No. 3 pick in the 2013 National Draft and is one of just four remaining restricted free agents in the AFL this year.
Adelaide gun Matt Crouch remains unsigned at West Lakes past 2021, while Greater Western Sydney superstar Josh Kelly and Swans utility George Hewett round out the list of RFA's.
