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Traded from St Kilda to Melbourne for relative peanuts, Jack Billings delivered a reminder of his class in the Demons' round-one win over the Western Bulldogs.

Jack Billings insists he has nothing to prove at Melbourne.

But the 28-year-old, moved on from St Kilda last year in exchange for a lowly future third-round draft pick, is already reminding the AFL world of his talents.

Undoubtedly classy but ravaged by injury, former No.3 draft pick Billings was limited to just 11 games over his final two seasons at St Kilda - including three under Ross Lyon last year.

A change of environment was clearly needed.

Billings was the substitute in Melbourne's opening-round loss to Sydney but started, and shone, in Sunday's 45-point win over the Western Bulldogs

The winger had 23 disposals, 15 marks, 10 score involvements and kicked a goal, with his creativity by foot standing out.

"I just wanted to come in and play my part, play my role for the team. I felt like I was able to do that," Billings told AAP.

"This is the first time I've played the first game of the year in about three years.

"It's been a challenging couple of years, with my body and injury, and I was able to have a full pre-season, pretty much, so it just holds you in good stead for the season.

"I just want to keep building."

Melbourne's lack of connection between midfield and attack has blighted their premiership tilts in recent years.

But Billings's decision making and execution stood out as the Demons successfully used a more patient, kick-mark style in round one.

"He's started to really evolve in our system, Jack," coach Simon Goodwin said.

"He's worked really hard through the summer to understand the role we want him to play and he's developed that in a few practice games leading in.

"He was probably a little bit stiff to be the sub in round one.

"(Against the Bulldogs) we saw the space and the connection and his kick all on show, which is one of his greatest strengths. So he's going to add a lot to us."

There has never been any doubt over Billings's class.

The player himself is confident there is more to come - but insists he isn't driven to prove anyone wrong.

"It's probably not my mindset, but I know what I'm capable of and internally, here at the club, they've been great for me," he said.

"I've missed a lot of football so continuity is a pretty big thing. That's the biggest thing I was looking for when I came across over summer, just continuity with my training.

"And when you can get that, you try and just be a bit more consistent and put out good performances."