Hit the road Jack, Saints tell Billings
ST Kilda has lost patience with forward Jack Billings, dropping the No.3 draft pick for tomorrow night’s match against Sydney.
The 16th-placed Saints will also be without skipper Jarryn Geary (calf strain) as they look to snap a 10-match winless streak in the clash at Etihad Stadium. Billings had managed only six goals in the opening 11 rounds.
It’s quite a fall from grace for the 23-year-old, who had enjoyed a career best season last year.
The Saints were able to recall key defender Nathan Brown from injury for a nearcertain match-up against Sydney spearhead Lance Franklin.
Veteran midfielder Kieren Jack was rested for a week by the Swans among three changes to the team that beat Carlton last week.
Richmond ball magnet Anthony Miles has been called up for his first match of the year, replacing Dustin Martin (calf strain) for tonight’s clash away with Port Adelaide.
Miles made a compelling case for promotion in last weekend’s VFL win over Collingwood, amassing 44 dispos- als, 11 marks and three goals. The Tigers also dropped premiership hero Jack Graham, whose place went to forward Jason Castagna.
Port made just one change, with Jasper Pittard coming in for fellow backman Jack Hombsch.
Adelaide sprang a surprise, recalling skipper Taylor Walker from injury for Sunday’s clash with Fremantle.
“Great to see Taylor back. He’s ready to go,” assistant coach Ben Hart said. “He’s really confident in himself and he’s putting his hand up, not just because he thinks we need him to play, but because he’s ready to play.”
But the Crows’ All-Australian defender Rory Laird (hand) has joined Tom Lynch on their still sizeable injury list.
The Dockers welcome back towering ruckman Aaron Sandilands, although they will be without suspended skipper Nat Fyfe.
North Melbourne lost its in-form onballer Jed Anderson to a hamstring strain for tomorrow’s game against Geelong, both sides having 7-4 win-loss records. The Cats are unchanged.
Fresh from what could be a season-defining victory away over the Crows, GWS made one forced change for their home game against Gold Coast. Matt de Boer replaces Stephen Coniglio (concussion) in the Giants’ engine room.
The Suns have lost two key players — co-captain Steven May and onballer Aaron Hall — to injury.
High-flying backman Jeremy Howe has been included in Collingwood’s extended squad of 26 for the huge Queen’s Birthday showdown with Melbourne at the MCG.