Up forward, down back or in-between the arcs: that’s the question that’s continually surrounded Josh Battle for the past few seasons. 

Whether it’s as a powerful link-up forward with a dead-eye kick and sweeping presence higher up the ground, a sturdy backman with an abundance of courage or a hard-running wingman that can go both ways, the debate rages on – both internally and externally – as to where he’s best suited. 

It’s been the narrative for a number of years now, with the multipurpose Saint – dubbed as Brett Ratten’s “swingman” – spending time in all areas of the ground, yet never truly finding home in the one position.  

In 2022, however, Battle is setting up camp in the defensive end, complementing the likes of key defenders Dougal Howard and Callum Wilkie in the club’s retuned backline. 

“Playing down back is the plan. I think it’s been good to home in on the one position this year and focus on a key back role,” Battle told saints.com.au. 

“At the end of last year, Ratts said we’ll work out what’s best for you, what’s best for the team and we’ll try and get you down playing in the backline. 

“I’ve been playing a bit of everywhere the last few years. Ratts sort of said to stick to one position (this year), so it’s been good to play down there and line up on Tim Membrey, Max King and all these different types each week. You learn a lot and I really like the challenge.”  

Battle is a natural forward having caught the eye of recruiters in that position while coming up the ranks at Haileybury College, but his unexpected relocation to the defensive half in the absences of key backs Dylan Roberton and Jake Carlisle in 2019 unearthed another side to his game.  

A bloody, battered and bandaged-up Battle tearing back with the flight to take a match-winning mark in the dying seconds against Fremantle in Round 21 of that year still serves as a vivid reminder of what he’s capable of on the last line of defence.  

The 23-year-old is also one of the best endurance runners at the club having been a regular top finisher the past few pre-season time trials, hence the allure to play him along the wing.  

From his 28 matches across 2020/21, excluding two where he was an unused medical sub, Battle was played as a forward for 12 matches (including three as a relief ruck/forward), eight as a utility with multiple roles at either end of the ground and a further eight as a pure defender. The Saints’ lengthy injury list last year only emphasised the importance of his flexibility.  

But knuckling down a consistent role in the side hasn’t been a smooth process, through both injury and other factors.  

The arrival of mid-season rookie Cooper Sharman – who kicked 10 goals in just four matches – to the scene has also put the squeeze on spots up forward, while the defensive niche initially carved out has been filled by the unforeseen impact of Callum Wilkie, acquisition of Dougal Howard and rejuvenation of Jimmy Webster. 

“It was a little bit (of a challenge) with so many different roles that you’ve got to know, but now it’s good to just keep it simple, go out there and just enjoy it,” Battle said.  

“That’s what I’ve been doing and I’m having a fair bit of fun.”  

That’s not to say the boots are hung up when it comes to being St Kilda’s swingman. Battle will remain one of Ratten’s go-to men if the Saints need to switch things around on game-day, but the backline is firming as his mainstay for the year ahead.  

The No. 26 has been working closely alongside Assistant Coach Corey Enright this pre-season to elevate his defensive nous, closely analysing vision in one-on-one sessions before integrating other members of the back unit.  

With Nick Coffield ruled out for the season with a season-ending ACL injury, Battle’s inclusion shapes as an important asset for the Saints looking ahead to the upcoming season. 

Battle is unfortunately no stranger to injury. Fractured eye sockets, broken cheekbones, concussions and foot soreness have either cut short or minimised his time on-field over the past three years, with a bone stress injury in his left ankle the most recent – and most significant – setback.  

The young Saint missed the last eight games of Season 2021 and then was forced to sit out the start of the 2022 pre-season as a result of the debilitating injury.  

This pre-season build-up has been different to what Battle has become accustomed to, with regular blocks of swimming and bike sessions helping him regain his strength and increase his aerobic capacity while off-legs. 

Now fit and firing, Battle is pushing to become a regular feature in red, white and black, albeit with tough competition for spots through the respective emergence of Tom Highmore and Jack Sinclair, the redeployment of Bradley Hill, plus the impending returns of Ben Paton and Jarryn Geary. 

“Last year was really frustrating. I didn’t realise how much of a long-term injury it was,” Battle said. 

“I thought once I had surgery I’d be able to get back on the horse pretty quick, but it was nearly a six month injury… it was a bit of a pain.  

“It’s good to be finally back out there and the feet are going well at the moment, touch wood, so hopefully I’m all sweet for 2022.”