Eight rounds into Season 2019, and Josh Battle’s backline move is paying dividends.

Just 21 years of age, Battle’s standing in the competition continues to rise after being named in the Round 8 Team of the Week.

The young gun was once touted as St Kilda’s next big thing up front, but another outstanding showing on the weekend has cemented his new home at centre half-back.

His latest scalp came in the form of West Coast big man Jack Darling, whose influence was all but nullified thanks to the tireless work of the No. 26.

BACK SIX: St Kilda's new-look defence making waves

Battle is renowned at St Kilda for his enormous athletic capacity, and both his ability to cover the ground and his closing speed provide headaches for opposition forwards.

He accumulated equal career-high numbers in tackles (four) – including a crucial third-quarter takedown – marks (nine), and disposals (21).

St Kilda's focus now shifts to Collingwood at the MCG this Saturday, with Alan Richardson's men desperate to take it up to last year's runner-up.