After nominating Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent, Josh Battle joins the Hawks after eight seasons with the St Kilda Saints.
A Hawthorn supporter growing up, Battle was drafted in 2016, when St Kilda selected him with pick 39 in the National Draft. This came after impressing recruiters at both school (Haileybury) and TAC Cup (Dandenong Stingrays) level, where he was regarded as one of the top forward prospects in the draft class.
He got his first taste of AFL football in Round 17, 2017, however this game against Essendon was his only game for the season. Whilst injury held him back in 2018, Battle broke out in 2019, where coach Alan Richardson pulled a classic coaching move and trialed the forward in defence.
Despite lacking experience in defense, Battle used his aerial instincts and footy-IQ to become a mainstay down back, playing 19 games and averaging 14.7 possessions and six marks a game that season.
Since then Battle, has been regarded as somewhat of a utility, as stints in the forward line and the ruck have been occasionally sprinkled into his time on the field which predominately remains in the defensive 50.
The Stats and Accolades
Thus far in his career, the 26 year-old has played 123 games for St Kilda, in which he has kicked 30 career goals, and averaged 14.3 disposals, 5.8 marks, and 2.5 rebound fifties.
In 2019, Battle earned a Rising Star nomination for his performance against Carlton in Round 22.
Whilst at St Kilda, Battle recorded three consecutive top-10 best and fairest finishes, including a much publicised third in 2024.
League wide throughout 2024, Battle ranked sixth for marks per game and seventh for total marks, whilst also placing second amongst key defenders in the uncontested possession count.
What He Brings To The Club
While Battle is an exceptional defender, he also comes with the added bonus of being a handy swingman, not only giving Mitchell the option to bolster the backline alongside fellow new recruit Tom Barrass, but also through him forward to provide scoreboard impact even or assist in the ruck should the need arise.
Given his polish, experience and versatility, it would be safe to assume Battle should provide immediate impact playing amongst our back six and beyond.
