When he was selected with the Club’s first round selection (Pick No.8 overall) in last year’s National Draft, it was expected that Longer would spend the bulk of his first year developing with the Reserves.
But after first-choice ruckman Matthew Leuenberger suffered a long-term injury back in Round 3, the plans surrounding Longer quickly changed.
He has since played half of the Lions’ senior matches in 2012 and has not looked out of place against his far more experienced opponents.
In the latest Bupa Recovery Report on LIONS TV, Strength and Conditioning Coach Matt Hass said that Longer’s ability to fulfil a senior ruck role ahead of his time has been remarkable.
“A lot of the boys have been really impressive, but I must say Billy Longer (has been the most impressive) playing a very demanding position in the ruck,” Hass told LIONS TV.
“Being a young guy and our first pick, he’s really stood up and has carried the load really well - especially with big Leuey out of the picture.”
Hass also praised midfielder Ryan Harwood whose efforts on the training track certainly haven't gone noticed.
“Ryan has really improved both during the off-season and during the season with his running capacity,” Hass said.
“He’s hopefully going to turn himself into an A-Grade midfielder for the Club one day.”
