Josh Battle's St Kilda Exit Revealed Amid Best-and-Farest Award Snub and Hawthorn Move
Josh Battle's exit from St Kilda was highlighted by his absence from the club's best-and-fairest awards, signaling a breakdown in relations. Despite his accolades, including a third-place finish in the Trevor Barker Award, his decision to join Hawthorn on a lucrative deal raised eyebrows. The captain's speech reflected disappointment in Battle's absence, raising questions about the rift and the future of both player and club. St Kilda will receive AFL compensation for his departure.
Tensions between Josh Battle and St Kilda have come to light following his absence from the club's best-and-fairest awards ceremony on Monday evening. The 26-year-old defender, having concluded his time with the Saints, is set to join Hawthorn under a lucrative multi-million dollar contract.
Josh Battle's Departure Indicates Clear Discontent
The decision by Josh Battle to leave St Kilda comes after much deliberation regarding his future in the Australian Football League. Despite the Saints' playoff appearances last season, they have since faced declining performance. This backdrop prompted Battle to accept Hawthorn's enticing offer, especially after witnessing the Hawks' impressive semifinal run with a record of 14 wins against 4 losses during the final stages of the regular season.
Club's Disappointment and Tribute to Departing Players
St Kilda expressed clear disappointment over Battle's exit, emphasizing his significance to the team's aspirations as illustrated by his third-place finish in the Trevor Barker Award. Despite this achievement, Battle was notably absent from the awards evening at Crown Palladium, during which captain Jack Steele failed to mention him in his address. Steele took a moment to thank other players leaving the club, including coach Jake Batchelor and several delisted players, while making a poignant tribute to veteran Seb Ross, who will not continue with the team next season.
Reactions to Battle's Absence from Awards Ceremony
The absence of Battle raised eyebrows within the AFL community, prompting discussions about the state of player-club relationships. Sam Edmund, a host on Trade Radio, remarked on the uncomfortable dynamic, questioning why a player would feel uneasy attending a best-and-fairest event of a club from which he is departing. Former Port Adelaide player Kane Cornes echoed this sentiment, suggesting Battle should have attended, noting his valuable contributions to the Saints and speculating on the reasons behind his decision not to show up.
Future Compensation and Uncertain Draft Outcomes
As Battle transitions to Hawthorn, St Kilda is expected to receive compensation for his departure under the AFL’s guidelines for free agency. It has yet to be determined whether this will manifest as an early first-round draft pick or a later selection. With the dynamics of player movements in the AFL continually evolving, this situation underscores the complexities faced by players and clubs alike.
