Josh Battle

Recruited from the Dandenong Stingrays via Haileybury College with pick 39 in the 2016 National Draft, Josh Battle initially joined St Kilda as a forward prospect known for his accurate set shot and marking hands. However, his career path was defined by his versatility and elite aerobic capacity, which saw him deployed as a swingman and hard-running winger during his developmental years. He eventually found his niche as an intercepting third tall defender, where his ability to peel off opponents, read the play, and distribute the ball efficiently made him a vital cog in the Saints' defensive structure.

After establishing himself as one of St Kilda's most consistent performers and finishing third in the 2024 Trevor Barker Award, Battle became the subject of significant trade speculation. Despite the Saints' desire to retain him, he exercised his rights as an unrestricted free agent to move to Hawthorn on a long-term deal at the end of the 2024 season. He arrived at Waverley Park in the prime of his career, recruited specifically to bolster the Hawks' defensive stocks and provide aerial stability to an emerging premiership contender.