Saints drop Billings in shake-up

ST Kilda have finally lost patience with forward Jack Billings, dropping the No.3 draft pick for their AFL clash with Sydney tomorrow night.

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 – the No.3 pick in the 2013 draft – kicked only six goals in the first 11 rounds. It’s quite the fall from grace for the 23-year-old, who had enjoyed a career-best season in 2017.

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 AFL match of the year, replacing Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin (calf strain) for tonight’s clash away to Port Adelaide.

Miles made a compelling case for promotion in last weekend’s VFL win over Collingwood, amassing 44 disposals, 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 the clash with Fremantle on Sunday.

“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 All-Australian defender Rory Laird (hand) has joined Tom Lynch on the Crows’ still sizeable injury list.

The Dockers welcome back towering ruckman Aaron Sandilands, although they will be without suspended skipper Nat Fyfe.

North Melbourne lost onballer Jed Anderson to a hamstring strain for the game against Geelong tomorrow.