After months of anticipation, Dandenong Stingrays key forward Josh Battle was forced to wait a lit bit longer on Friday night before the Saints swooped with pick No. 39, much to the relief of the highly rated sharp shooter.
Widely regarded as one of the best key forward prospects in this year’s draft pool, Battle produced a standout 2016 campaign, booting the most goals of any player in division one of the national championships, as well as finishing with 24 goals from eight games in the TAC Cup.
Unlike the vast majority of draftees, Battle will begin his life at a new club in familiar surroundings, having spent time training at Linen House Centre as part of the AFL Academy program.
“I’m so relieved and so grateful for the opportunity that the St Kilda Football Club has given me,” Battle told saints.com.au in his first official interview is a Saint.
“I was fortunate to train with the Saints last year and loved every minute of it. So to get an opportunity (in the AFL), I’m just so grateful.
“I couldn’t think of a better club to go to.”
At 192 cm, Battle isn’t particularly tall for a key forward in the modern game, but his elite endurance base is what he uses to wear down opponents, much like players he looks to emulate, in new teammate Tim Membrey and Hawks star Jack Gunston.
The Haileybury College product won the 3km time-trial at the AFL Academy camp in January, registered a 10.07 at the combine and has previously broken the 10-minute barrier.
“I’m a third tall. I idolise and look up to Tim Membrey and Jack Gunston. I was lucky enough to work with Tim a little bit last year, and Paddy [McCartin] – they helped me out a lot,” Battle said.
Battle was one of three players added to St Kilda’s list on Friday night, sandwiched between classy Northern Territory utility Ben Long (pick No. 25) and hard running Oakleigh Chargers midfielder Edward Phillips.
All three boys played against each other in the APS competition in 2016, with Battle representing Haileybury, Long Melbourne Grammar and Phillips Caulfield Grammar.
