St Kilda unrestricted free agent Josh Battle has agreed to join Hawthorn in 2025 through free agency.
Long linked with a move to the rival club, Battle has been weighing up his options for the majority of the season, with it being understood that he was genuinely torn.
Battle informed the club of his decision to depart on Thursday, saying how much he's treasured his time at Moorabbin.
“I came to this club while I was still in high school and couldn't have asked for a better place to grow, both as a footballer and a person,” Battle said.
“I now have a young family of my own, and in planning for our future, I've come to the difficult decision to move on from my time at the Saints.
“The club has been fantastic throughout this entire process, and I leave so grateful for the support they've shown both my family and I.
“I'd like to thank all my teammates, coaches and staff who have made my time at the Saints so special, as well as the Saints fans who embraced me from day one.”
St Kilda EGM Football David Misson thanked Battle for his service to the club.
“While we're clearly disappointed to be losing a person of Josh's talent and character, he leaves with our best wishes for this next chapter for his young family.”
Battle's decision to move would no doubt have to do with Hawthorn's resurgence into premiership calculations despite a 0-5 start to 2024.
The Hawks embody a fun playing style, reflected by the taunts and showmanship on the field, namely by the forwards.
Battle will likely join West Coast key defender Tom Barrass, who, like the Saint, has recognised Hawthorn as a destination club.
Barrass requested a trade earlier in the week but will be made to wait until the trade period opens on October 7.
As for what St Kilda gets in return for Battle departing, that is still unsure, given it relies on the pay packet handed to him by the Hawks.
The Saints will hope to turn the 25-year-old's compensation into a first-round selection.
According to Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph, the offer that will trigger the high-end pick would be around $950,000 a season.
Ralph reported that St Kilda came hard for Battle late, offering around that mark.
Given Battle's decision to leave, the Saints would hope Hawthorn matched that offer, resulting in a likely compensation pick of 7 or 8.
If not, the red, white and black would miss out on a top-10 selection.
