Hawthorn has officially welcomed Josh Battle to the club after signing as an unrestricted free agent on Friday.

Battle joins the brown and gold from St Kilda, where he played 123 games over eight seasons for the Saints after being drafted with Pick 39 in the 2016 national draft.

The 26-year-old is fresh from a career-best year in 2024, where he ranked sixth overall in the AFL for marks per game, as well as second among key defenders in uncontested possessions.

Battle has entrenched himself as one of the league’s most reliable and durable defenders in recent years, having missed just one game since the start of 2022, whilst notching up three consecutive top-10 best and fairest finishes, including third place this year.

Hawthorn National Recruiting and List Manager Mark McKenzie said the club was delighted to add such a quality player and person in Battle.

“We’re thrilled to finally welcome Josh, his partner Casey, and children Bobbi and Billie to the Hawks,” McKenzie said.

“Josh is someone we identified as a key acquisition for our club, and we’re delighted he’s chosen the Hawks in this next phase of his career.

“With more than eight seasons of at the top level, Josh is a proven player who will make an immediate impact in our back six, whilst improving our team on a whole.

“Along with his talents, Josh is a high calibre person who will positively influence the direction of our club going forward.”