Injury rules Saints' Billings out of AFLX

A week after helping launch the new AFLX format, St Kilda star Jack Billings will miss the tournament because of a hamstring injury.

Billings pulled up sore at Friday training, but the Saints are confident it is only a minor issue after he was able to run on Monday.

The forecast is that Billings will be sidelined for a fortnight and could be ready for their opening pre-season match against Carlton on February 28 at Ikon Park.

Billings and North Melbourne speedster Shaun Atley spruiked AFLX last week at the official launch in Melbourne.

The Saints will play their two AFLX matches this Friday night at Etihad Stadium.