Rival Coach Intensifies Battle for Saint with Major Contract Offer

The competition for an out-of-contract Saint, Josh Battle, is intensifying. A club on the rise has tabled a lucrative contract to secure him until 2030, and a rival coach has even made direct contact to lure him away from Moorabbin.

Key Developments

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Massive Contract Offer

Rival Club's Bold Move

AFL.com.au’s Callum Twomey reports that Hawthorn has presented Battle with a substantial six-year deal. Twomey shared these insights on his podcast Gettable with co-host Riley Beveridge:

Josh Battle: 193cm utility player.
Hawthorn's Offer: Six-year contract as an unrestricted free agent.

Twomey notes, "It’s a close call between St Kilda and the Hawks. Melbourne is also in the mix, but Hawthorn's recent form has given them an edge. Collingwood has shown interest too."

Direct Contact from Rival Coach

Sam Mitchell's Proactive Approach

SEN’s Sam Edmund revealed that Hawthorn's coach, Sam Mitchell, has personally reached out to Battle multiple times. This direct involvement highlights Mitchell's eagerness to bring the defender to Hawthorn.

Battle's Value

Importance to Hawthorn

Battle is a versatile player who transitioned from a key forward to a defender. Hawthorn values his potential, especially after experiencing several key defensive injuries before Round 1 this year.

The Allure of Hawthorn

Given Hawthorn's impressive rise this season, the prospect of joining a club with a bright future is tempting for Battle. His decision will be closely watched as he considers his options.

Career at St Kilda

Josh Battle's Performance

Debut: Round 17, 2017
Games Played: 114
Finals Appearances: 2 (Semi-final in 2020, Elimination final in 2023 against GWS)

Despite a solid career at St Kilda, Battle has had limited finals success. The chance to join a rising Hawthorn team could be a pivotal factor in his decision.

The chase for Josh Battle is heating up with significant offers and direct involvement from rival coaches. As Hawthorn and other clubs vie for his signature, Battle's decision will be a key storyline in this year's trade period.