He played just six games in 2018, but young gun Josh Battle’s impact still left a promising impression among the red, white and black faithful.

Battle’s resume boasts tuition from both Matthew Lloyd and Nick Riewoldt, so it’s no surprise his forward craft looks developed beyond his years.

Coming into the side against Sydney in Round 12, the 20-year-old was one of few highlights in the 71-point humiliation, finishing with 14 touches and two goals in just his second game.

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His tireless efforts had all the hallmarks of an emerging forward powerhouse, with his aerial ability, physicality at the contest and strong leads reinvigorating the St Kilda forward line.

Battle’s inclusion resulted in a combined 19 majors between himself, Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey over just three matches, of which the Haileybury College and Vic Country product booted six.

An instrumental three-goal haul against Gold Coast and a 16-disposal, seven-mark display against Melbourne had the Saint on an upward trajectory, as his confidence grew in tandem with his side’s success.

But Battle’s run was abruptly cut short after sustaining a fractured eye socket against the Demons, sidelining him for the two weeks.

The emerging forward was unable to find his damaging form from that point on, kicking just one goal against the Giants in Round 19, before a nasty concussion from a head clash with Bulldog Dale Morris in Round 20 saw him take no further part in the year.

Battle’s emerging prowess warranted praise from assistant coach Ben McGlynn, who drew parallels between the young forward and Membrey.

“Josh is very similar to Tim Membrey – he’s an elite runner, so he can get up and down and cover the ground a fair bit,” McGlynn said.

“We saw his aggression and his attack on the footy in games, and that’s what we really like about him.”

And despite requiring stitches in four out of six games in 2018, the young forward refused to change his approach.

“He’s obviously missed a few games off the back of his aggression, but you prefer for players to be willing to put their body on the line and do the right thing for the team,” McGlynn said.

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Battle continued to develop a strong presence up forward, with his endurance wearing out opposition defenders as he continued to create contests across the ground.

His 11 goals and 34 marks for Sandringham across eight games served as a testament to his continual development, with three-goal bags against Footscray and Werribee among his best performances at VFL level.

With his physical approach unwavering and his form set to grow, the young spearhead will be determined to spend more time in the senior side in 2019.

“He’ll be disappointed he’s missed a bit of footy at the back-end, but I think he’ll progress next year to be a strong contributor for us,” said McGlynn.

“Josh is definitely going in the right direction.”