Hawthorn has officially landed St Kilda key position player Josh Battle via free agency on Friday.
Battle has been caught weighing up his future for the majority of the 2024 season, but witnessed the Hawks' historic run from 0-5 to a semi-final likely played a major role in the decision.
The 26-year-old played 123 matches in eight seasons for the Saints and finished third in this year's best and fairest count, falling shy of Callum Wilkie and Jack Sinclair.
Battle's versatility will fit seamlessly in Sam Mitchell's side, having played both ends of the ground with great effect in the red, white and black.
Paperwork approved.
Unrestricted Free Agent Josh Battle has signed with Hawthorn. St Kilda will receive a Round One Selection (currently 8) in the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft as compensation.
— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 4, 2024
However, it is understood that Hawthorn will use the right-footer in a defensive role, which will likely free up the likes of James Sicily and Josh Weddle.
The Battle acquisition is one of two major coups for the club, with the Hawks expecting to get Tom Barrass across from West Coast via a trade.
St Kilda will receive Pick 8 as compensation for the loss of Battle.
The Hawks are very excited by the prospect of Battle and what he'll add to the club, with list manager Mark McKenzie officially welcoming him to the side.
โWe're thrilled to finally welcome Josh, his partner Casey, and children Bobbi and Billie to the Hawks,โ McKenzie said.
โJosh is someone we identified as a key acquisition for our club, and we're delighted he's chosen the Hawks in this next phase of his career.
โWith more than eight seasons of at the top level, Josh is a proven player who will make an immediate impact in our back six, whilst improving our team on a whole.
โAlong with his talents, Josh is a high calibre person who will positively influence the direction of our club going forward.โ
