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$6m compo question as last-ditch bid not enough to sway star Saint’s free agency call
Israel Dagg • September 23rd, 2024 10:18 pm
St Kilda free agent Josh Battle has come to a decision on his AFL future.
The star intercepting defender has committed to playing for Hawthorn, with the Saints releasing a club statement on Thursday afternoon.
It comes despite optimism from St Kilda that the 25-year-old would turn his back on rival interest and commit long-term to Moorabbin.
“I came to this club while I was still in high school and couldn’t have asked for a better place to grow, both as a footballer and a person,” Battle said in the Saints’ statement.
“I now have a young family of my own, and in planning for our future I’ve come to the difficult decision to move on from my time at the Saints.
“The club has been fantastic throughout this entire process and I leave so grateful for the support they’ve shown both my family and I.
“I’d like to thank all my teammates, coaches and staff who have made my time at the Saints so special, as well as the Saints fans who embraced me from day one.”
St Kilda football boss David Misson expressed his appreciation of Battle’s service to the club.
“While we’re clearly disappointed to be losing a person of Josh’s talent and character, he leaves with our best wishes for this next chapter for his young family,” he said in the statement.
