Departed Saint Jack Billings is now positioned to play his best football after securing a trade to the Demons with only hours left before Wednesday's trade deadline.
The Demons secured the 28-year-old, who has played 155 senior games, in exchange for a future third-round selection.ย
Billings was selected the No.3 pick in the 2013 draft and was a consistent selection for the majority of his time at the Saints. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2017 where he slotted 23 goals and finished in the top five in the club's best and fairest count. However, Billings has managed just 11 games in the past two seasons due to a combination of injury and form issues.
With a fresh start, the Demons hope they can help the former Saint find his best football in the pursuit of another premiership. Billings is set to add experience, running power and class to the Dees' mix, as well as versatility to play in the midfield and across half-forward.ย ย ย
Billings' manager Paul Connors has told the Demons faithful to keep an eye out on their latest recruit, with the high-profile agent a firm believer that the former top-three pick has his best football ahead of him.
"I think the Saints are really pleased to get a future third off Melbourne," Connors said on SEN's Sportsday.
"He just didn't have a lot of opportunities this year. He's been injured the past couple of years.
"I think his body is right to go, and watch out, I think we're going to see the best of Jack Billings.
"Watch out, Melbourne fans."
Billings' arrival at the club holds similar comparisons to the Lachie Hunter trade 12 months ago, where the winger arrived at the Demons from the Bulldogs in exchange for aย future third-round selection.
Hunter played in all but one game this season and averaged over 22 disposals on Melbourne's way to a third consecutive semi-final appearance.
Connors admits there is evident similarities and expects a similar output for Billings moving forward.
"Yeah, there were a couple of similarities (with the Hunter deal), but just for opportunities (mainly)," Connors added.
"The similarity is they've ended up at the same club, they're both left footers and both great users of the ball with a high IQ.
"I think it's wonderful. Christian Salem and Christian Petracca are both excited, they've both been in touch.
"It's really good. Melbourne is in a premiership window and I think Jack adds a lot of class.
"I think he can kick 30-plus goals next year."
The 28-year-old will have to compete with a stacked Melbourne midfield for selection in 2024 as they hope to avoid a third straight-sets exit from as many finals series.
