Josh Battle has been nominated for the NAB Rising Star Award following his Round 22 performance against Carlton last Saturday.

The Haileybury College/Vic Country product collected 16 disposals, eight intercept possessions, four marks and 11 one-percenters in St Kilda’s 10-point loss to the Blues.

Battle was given the nod for the NAB Rising Star Award with one more opportunity to spare, with the 20-year-old ineligible for the award next season.

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With several key defenders sidelined prior to Round 1, Battle has filled the Saints’ key defensive posts to great effect, going up against some of the game’s best forwards in the process.

The prospective forward has found his own down back, averaging 15 disposals at 84% efficiency, six marks, three rebound-50s and three tackles – for which he is ranked elite – across his 18 matches this year.

His influence on the contest – particularly without the likes of Jake Carlisle and Dylan Roberton – has been evident, with his match-winning mark against Fremantle in Round 21 a highlight of his season.

Battle has shown his goalkicking has barely wavered despite the move to defence, slotting three goals from three opportunities.

The No. 26 forms part of St Kilda’s exciting contingent of emerging talents, including Hunter Clark, Nick Coffield and Max King.

Battle was originally taken at pick No. 39 in the 2016 National Draft and has played 25 games in the red, white and black.