Jack Billings is earning some top-shelf comparisons as he continues to realise his vast AFL potential.
The St Kilda half-forward was best afield with a 30-disposal game in Sunday's win over Gold Coast when Billings' excellent ball use stood out in a scrappy contest.
It had coach Alan Richardson putting Billings in some elite company, comparing him to Port Adelaide pair Chad Wingard and Robbie Gray and Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli.
"He's one of those guys, a bit like (Chad) Wingard or Robbie Gray or perhaps even Cyril - those guys have really special tricks in front of the ball," Richardson said.
"There aren't too many midfielders who can go forward and do what those kinds of players do - and they're all different."
Billings came into this season needing to pick up his form and he has played every game.
While he mainly plays on a flank, Billings is also spending time in the middle.
"It was a really complete game for him ... his ability to make the most of his opportunities, to get a lot of opportunities ... is really good work," Richardson said.
"His physicality, his ability to be able win the ball in the contest, has improved.
"That's testament to him and the work he's doing with (Aaron) Hamill and (Adam) Kingsley, his line coaches."
Meanwhile, Richardson is hopeful that key forward Paddy McCartin will not be out of action, despite suffering a concussion on the weekend while playing for Saints affiliates Sandringham in the VFL.
McCartin has a history of concussions, but Richardson said after the incident he passed one of the tests used to assess such injuries.
"The doctors at this very early stage are really happy with the way Paddy responded," he said.
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