St Kilda midfielder Jack Billings has undergone back surgery, with the Saints confident it won't hamper his 2023 campaign, per reports from Callum Twomey.
Billings managed just eight games in an injury disrupted 2022 season, playing his last game of the year in Round 19.
A persistent back injury left the Saint sidelined, with the club conceding that the midfielder would require surgery post-season.
While the surgery, which Billings underwent this week, will delay the Saints' pre-season preparation, the club is confident it won't alter his program.
The Saints held their annual best and fairest on Tuesday night, with Jack Sinclair taking home the Trevor Barker Award.
Callum Wilkie and Jack Steele rounded out the top three, with Marcus Windhager claiming the Best Emerging Player Award