“Josh Battle is a worker.”

That simple assessment from his VFL coach Aaron Hamill sums up the promising young forward.

330 days have elapsed since Battle last tasted senior footy, and he gets his second chance at the elite level after being selected to face the Swans on Saturday night.

In his second year at the Saints, Battle has been chomping at the bit to build on his solitary senior outing.

The 19-year-old’s stellar pre-season demonstrated a level of professionalism well beyond his years, but the ex-Haileybury Collegian has been forced to patiently ply his trade at Sandringham until now.

Standing at 193cm, Battle will complete the tallest forward line the Saints have fielded in over two months, alongside Paddy McCartin at 194cm and Tim Membrey at 188cm.

The trio will give the Swans something to think about on Saturday night, whose relatively undersized backline’s tallest player Heath Grundy will likely start on Tim Membrey.

Battle’s Year 12 studies last year meant that he could only undertake a part-time training load, but he’s relished in working as a full-time footballer this year, and it’s paying dividends for his fitness and form.

Earlier in the season, the talented spearhead signed an extension on his contract which will see him at the Saints until the end of 2020.

Senior Assistant Coach Rohan Welsh was dually complimentary of Battle’s work ethic.

“His professionalism has been brilliant; you can’t fault him in that area, he is a real pro,” Welsh told saints.com.au.

“He gets all his work done on the track and in the gym, and he’s been able to do a lot more work in the gym and put on some size, so he’s much stronger than he was last year.”

If Josh Battle’s attitude and athleticism are anything to go by, big things are yet to come.