St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says his aspect is “agitated” by its type stoop because the membership faces as much as six extra weeks with out Jack Billings as a result of a contemporary damage setback.
Billings harm his hamstring within the dying moments of Sandringham’s VFL win over Coburg on May 27, with scans after the Saints’ bye revealing a grade 2 tear.
Lyon stated the 27-year-old, who’s contracted till 2025 however has been the topic of commerce hypothesis as a result of his incapability to interrupt into the senior aspect, had been on the cusp of choice earlier than the setback.
Billings made a delayed begin to the season after struggling a hairline fracture to his leg in a February pre-season match, enjoying 5 consecutive video games for Sandringham after returning.
“I spoke to Jack during the week – he was really close to selection,” Lyon stated.
“He still got his break in (after the injury), went up to Port Douglas, came back (for scans) and it was a grade 2 hamstring, so not insignificant.
“We feel for him … he’s worked his butt off, but hopefully he’s in good shape and comes back quick.”
Lyon stated Mitch Owens would face Sydney on Thursday evening if he accomplished Tuesday’s primary coaching session, and he was assured the Saints have been on a special trajectory in contrast with this time final yr after they entered the bye with an 8-3 document however solely managed three extra wins within the second half of the season.
“I think we’ve done the opposite this year. Our narrative has been that those stars were missing, the same players were missing (in the second half of 2022) and we’ve been able to win lots of games,” Lyon stated.
“Gold Coast has been emotionally brave, the world was piling in on them and they stood up, and North and Essendon digging in, so there’s some really good examples out there.”
Lyon stated he was happy with Max King’s progress however admitted there was “anxiety” each time he threw himself at aerial contests after his run of accidents.
We have anxiousness (about accidents), now we have anxiousness each time we go down the race,” Lyon stated.
“I don’t know what he’s thinking. I don’t know what I’m thinking half the time … but he seems like he’s handling it OK.
“I just said make sure you chase, tackle and bring the ball to ground – Higgins and Butler will do the rest.”
Lyon stated he rejected the notion that the Saints’ success was depending on King main them to victory with persistently dominant performances.
“Football is a weakest link game, it’s not a strongest link game. We’re not a basketball court where one person can turn around a franchise,” he stated.
“We don’t see him as a franchise player, I don’t get that term in the AFL.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
