Garry Lyon is adamant that there is still a role for Jack Billings at AFL level.
It is understood that the Saints are open to trading the 28-year-old who remains contracted until the end of 2025.
Rival clubs including Collingwood, Carlton and the Western Bulldogs have reportedly shown some interest in Billings, a former no.3 draft pick, but nothing in the way of a trade has been forthcoming.
SEN’s Tom Morris believes both Billings and St Kilda are “happy to facilitate a trade” with the Saints also “happy to pay some of his wage”.
He reported on Wednesday morning that Melbourne are also showing some interest.
A watch on Jack Billings and @melbournefc today. Early days, but @stkildafc is happy to facilitate a move to whichever club is keen. He has two years remaining on his deal. @SENBreakfast @1116sen @traderadio
— Tom Morris (@tommorris32) October 17, 2023
While it remains to be seen what the future holds for Billings, Lyon feels he possesses enough quality to offer something at the elite level despite playing just three games under Ross Lyon in 2023.
“If I were a club, I’d be really interested in sitting down and talking to Jack Billings,” Lyon said on SEN Breakfast.
“That would be a chat worth having for any club in Melbourne.
“So sit down, work out where he’s at and why hasn’t he been playing? I know he’s had a lot of injuries, but how confident is he in his ability to get back (to his best)?
“Sometimes a conversation can help swing you around.”
Morris concurs with Lyon’s assessment, saying: “Surely there’s a spot for him somewhere.”
Lyon added: “It will all depend on all those other factors - hunger, body, fitness, all that sort of stuff.
“He is a beautiful user of the footy.
“But it would be a conversation that you’d have to have, I think, if you’re a footy club.”
Billings was drafted by the Saints in 2013 and has since played 155 games and kicked 108 goals.
He has played just 11 times since the start of 2022 due to various injuries.
However, he is running out of time if he wants to find a new club with the trade period set to close on Wednesday night.
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