BILLINGS shot to prominence quickly last year when he starred at Vic Metro's NAB AFL Under-18 Championships as a 16-year-old. As one of the youngest in the team, and ineligible for that year's draft, he showed his ability across half-forward with several impressive efforts.
The Oakleigh Charger came into this season with high expectations but had a knee injury he had to manage all year, and one that limited him to three games for Vic Metro. Still, he was named an All Australian for the second straight year and went on to finish the season with the Chargers playing through the midfield before undergoing minor surgery. The 185cm left-footer has played mostly as a half-forward but has all the traits to be a classy and clean midfielder.
The Oakleigh Charger came into this season with high expectations but had a knee injury he had to manage all year, and one that limited him to three games for Vic Metro. Still, he was named an All Australian for the second straight year and went on to finish the season with the Chargers playing through the midfield before undergoing minor surgery. The 185cm left-footer has played mostly as a half-forward but has all the traits to be a classy and clean midfielder.
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STRENGTHS
With his sticky overhead marking and elite skills on both feet, Billings has a couple of strong weapons that separate him from his peers. As a forward he can take a pack mark as easily as crumb a contest, and through the midfield it's not unusual to see him gather the ball, break away from a stoppage and then deliver the pass. Because his skills are so good, Billings looks like a finisher. But he is more than that: good in traffic, can feed the ball out with quick hands, and seems to always find space. At TAC Cup level, he came back from injury and played strong games, and although under duress with his knee, picked up 26 possessions then followed it with 32.
STRENGTHS
With his sticky overhead marking and elite skills on both feet, Billings has a couple of strong weapons that separate him from his peers. As a forward he can take a pack mark as easily as crumb a contest, and through the midfield it's not unusual to see him gather the ball, break away from a stoppage and then deliver the pass. Because his skills are so good, Billings looks like a finisher. But he is more than that: good in traffic, can feed the ball out with quick hands, and seems to always find space. At TAC Cup level, he came back from injury and played strong games, and although under duress with his knee, picked up 26 possessions then followed it with 32.
Top Billings: Chargers gun a star in the making
WEAKNESSES
The 18-year-old will need to build his aerobic base before he becomes a permanent midfielder. It isn't at a bad level but will have to improve to be able to play more consistently around the ball instead of across half-forward. Some may see him as an outside player at this stage of his development but his statistics at the championships – 19 contested possessions, 20 uncontested – show him to be pretty rounded in that area.
PLAYS LIKE
Think Nathan Brown when he was in his prime for the Western Bulldogs and Richmond. Billings is of a similar shape and prowess, and likes to snap goals, push into the midfield, and light games up. Port Adelaide drafted Chad Wingard as a half-forward two years ago at pick No.6 and Billings is equally as strong overhead when the ball is up for grabs.
DRAFT RANGE
Billings is set to be selected inside the top five picks next month. If not, he won't last much longer.
BOTTOM LINE
Billings is a match-winner, a prospect who saves his best for the big moments. With his marking and kicking, he might be the most dynamic player available.
WEAKNESSES
The 18-year-old will need to build his aerobic base before he becomes a permanent midfielder. It isn't at a bad level but will have to improve to be able to play more consistently around the ball instead of across half-forward. Some may see him as an outside player at this stage of his development but his statistics at the championships – 19 contested possessions, 20 uncontested – show him to be pretty rounded in that area.
PLAYS LIKE
Think Nathan Brown when he was in his prime for the Western Bulldogs and Richmond. Billings is of a similar shape and prowess, and likes to snap goals, push into the midfield, and light games up. Port Adelaide drafted Chad Wingard as a half-forward two years ago at pick No.6 and Billings is equally as strong overhead when the ball is up for grabs.
DRAFT RANGE
Billings is set to be selected inside the top five picks next month. If not, he won't last much longer.
BOTTOM LINE
Billings is a match-winner, a prospect who saves his best for the big moments. With his marking and kicking, he might be the most dynamic player available.
