The fans have spoken, and as voted by you, Josh Battle is this week’s Dare Iced Coffee Sainter of the Round.
The No. 26’s gutsy efforts on Friday night has not gone unnoticed by the Saints faithful, with the versatile utility digging deep as St Kilda took home a 17-point win over GWS Giants.
While solid across all four quarters, it was when ruckmen Jack Hayes and Rowan Marshall exited the game due to respective injuries and Battle found himself swinging into the ruck in the final term that proved to be most impressive.
The 23-year-old’s unquestionable work-rate was on show as he ended his night with 23 disposals, 10 marks, five inside 50s and 580 metres gained.
Of Battle's game-high 10 marks for the night, five were intercepts, which proved to be the difference in the two team’s scoring. Battle now leads the league for most marks at 46.
Jack Higgins secures the two votes after another dazzling performance and a sensational third term consisting of three goals in a row.
Fresh off a career-best bag in Round 5, Higgins’ third quarter blitz ultimately turned the game on its head, altering the momentum into the Saints’ favour.
The in-form small forward was involved everywhere it counted, finishing the game with four goals, 17 disposals, nine marks and ten score involvements.
The fan-favourite now has 14 goals on the board for 2022, three short of current Coleman Medal leader and teammate Max King.
Jack Steele rounds out this week’s voting, with the reliable on-baller influential across the ground in his home town.
The skipper led by example with 29 disposals, 16 contested possessions, eight tackles and seven inside 50s.
Steele currently has the most disposals (172) and tackles (41) in the competition.
