Rising Saint looking at top billing

JACK Billings is on the brink of signing a lucrative two-year contract extension, fresh from the most dominant performance of his 97-game career.

Billings will not only secure a significant pay rise, the 23-year-old will take his contract status through to free agency at the Saints.

The much-scrutinised wingman kicked two huge late goals as well as gathering 33 possessions, laying a career-high 11 tackles and amassing 169 SuperCoach points.

It is believed Billings has been asking for a contract of up to $800,000 a season.

It is a key signature for the Saints after they locked away Jade Gresham on a four-year deal through to 2023.

The Saints will also turn their attention to key selection debate this week concerning Dan Hannebery and Jake Carlisle for the clash against Brisbane at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

Hannebery is expected to play after covering the ground well in his 23possession VFL game for Sandringham.

But he kicked the ball poorly with 45 per cent efficiency, following a 40 per cent efficiency in his first game back.

Saints coach Alan Richardson, who is fighting for a strong finish to his season that could secure his tenure for 2020, indicated that Carlisle is also a chance to be promoted.

The big defender had 15 possessions, including eight intercept possessions, and three intercept marks for the Zebras.

Richardson will coach his 123rd game with St Kilda this week, equal with Grant Thomas and behind only Allan Jeans (333 games), but the veteran coach is yet to take the Saints into a final.

Club chief executive Matt Finnis said recently it was “unedifying” that Richardson had been put under pressure in media reports, but the last 10 weeks of the season are clearly crucial.