ST KILDA ruckman Billy Longer is taking a break from the club for the remainder of the season to focus on his health and wellbeing.

Longer, 26, has played just one AFL match this year, the round six loss to Adelaide, in part due to a hamstring injury at the start of the year and the subsequent emergence of Rowan Marshall. 

Longer tackles Matt Crouch during his only AFL appearance for 2019. Picture: AFL Photos

He was then sidelined in late May by a concussion suffered while playing for VFL affiliate Sandringham, and has been dealing with sinus and concussive symptoms since. 

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"We have been working with Billy as he deals with some physical symptoms that have prevented him from getting back to full training," general manager of football Simon Lethlean said.

"After working with our medicos, the club and Billy have decided that the best approach is for Billy to step away from football for the remainder of the season and concentrate on his health and wellbeing. 

"We will continue to support him through our club doctor and make sure he has access to specialists as required." 

Longer has played 66 games – nine at Brisbane and 57 at St Kilda – since being selected with pick eight in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.