Look in the dictionary and Josh Battle’s picture will appear right next to the word ‘revelation’. 

When the idea of the prospective forward moving to defence was floated by him, Battle – in trademark fashion – tackled the challenge head-on. 

It was one of the most dramatic shifts of the season, but the redeployment proved to be a coaching masterstroke. 

TREVOR BARKER AWARD: Billings zones in on St Kilda honour

The 20-year-old’s lethal right-boot, brilliant marking and an ability to read the play from his time as a forward transferred seamlessly into his new role. 

Manning the key defensive posts in the varied absences of Jake Carlisle, Nathan Brown and Dylan Roberton, Battle thrived down back to become one of St Kilda’s most reliable contributors. 

The Haileybury/Vic Country product averaged 15 disposals at 83% efficiency, 10 pressure acts, three tackles and six marks per game, all the while looking exceptionally comfortable in then-uncharted waters. 

His versatility in playing one-on-one or coming across as an intercept defender was just as prolific, as was his ability to push up the ground to spring the Saints into attack.

And it’s this consistent output across his 19 games which has him as a serious contender for the 2019 Trevor Barker Award. 

It would be fitting recognition for the young Saint, whose season has largely slid under the radar among the wider footballing community. 

Battle’s terrific form was acknowledged in Round 22, with a 16-disposal performance against Carlton earning him a nomination for NAB Rising Star. 

It was a timely credit, with Battle having just one game remaining before he was ineligible for the award.

Sensational efforts against Hawthorn (16 disposals, six rebounds), Adelaide (21 disposals, nine marks) and Richmond (20 disposals, 11 marks) punctuated his superb season, with his bravery earning him the adoration of the St Kilda faithful. 

There was no greater example of Battle’s courage than his match-winning mark against Fremantle in Round 21. 

The bruised and bandaged defender tore back with the flight of the ball with 11 seconds remaining, icing the game with a fearless mark on the boundary line to gift the Saints a memorable three-point triumph. 

VOTE BATTLE: Register your vote for Mark of the Year

His willingness to put his body on the line and attack the footy has resulted in injury across his short career, but the admiration from the red, white and black has outweighed his brief stints on the sidelines. 

A much-loved and exuberant Saint, Battle is rarely seen without a pearly white smile. 

And if the Trevor Barker Award falls into his possession, that grin won’t fade away any time soon. 

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