St Kilda hopes the axing of high draft pick Jack Billings will be the "circuit-breaker" he needs to rediscover top form.

Billings, the No.3 selection in the 2013 national draft, has struggled for consistency and impact this season, and will not take on the Swans at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The Saints have only one win and a draw, with Billings' struggles representative of a team that has failed to meet expectations of challenging for a finals spot. Instead, the Saints' focus is now more about next season, and just who should remain on the list.

Billings, 22, will almost certainly be there but, in the short-term, it's hoped he can regain the form which made him a major factor last year. He has averaged 19 touches per game this year, having managed 23 per game time last year, and has struggled in front of goal, booting 6.12 in a year when the Saints' goal-kicking woes have frustrated all at the club.

Coach Alan Richardson said he hoped Billings would regain his groove in the VFL, where he will play for Sandringham against Frankston on Sunday at Trevor Barker Oval.