Hawthorn has welcomed the news that unrestricted free agent Josh Battle has nominated the Hawks as his club of choice ahead of this year’s upcoming player movement period.
The club will work through the process of signing Battle during the Free Agency period, which commences Friday 4 October.
The 123-game defender ranked fifth in the AFL for total marks this season, along with collecting the equal-10th most intercept possessions of any other player.
Hawthorn National Recruiting and List Manager Mark McKenzie said the 25-year-old would be a significant addition.
“The club has made no secret of its desire to add further pieces to our list, and Josh fits that perfectly,” McKenzie said.
“Josh will play a key role in the direction of our football club, he is clearly a talented player, whilst also being a high character individual.
“We look forward to officially welcoming Josh, his partner Casey, and children Bobbi and Billie to the Hawks next month.”
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St Kilda defender Josh Battle has joined West Coast vice-captain Tom Barrass in nominating Hawthorn as his club of choice.
Battle informed the Saints on Thursday he will use his free agency right to move to Hawthorn.
As an unrestricted free agent, Battle can join the Hawks without St Kilda having the right to match the offer.
Battle’s decision came just two days after Barrass, who is contracted until 2027, told West Coast he wants to move to Hawthorn.
The Hawks will now have to satisfy West Coast with a suitable trade, with the Eagles expected to ask for two first-round picks as an initial bargaining position.
Battle, taken with pick No.39 in the 2016 national draft, played 123 games across eight seasons for the Saints.
He started his career as a forward before making a successful switch to defence, where he formed a strong combination with fellow key back Callum Wilkie.
