A transformation from a key forward into a key defender paid dividends for Josh Battle in 2019, who grew into one of the Saints’ most exciting young talents.

The No. 26 finished second in the Saints’ intercept marks, third for rebound-50s and fifth for effective kicks, earning himself a much-deserved Rising Star nomination in Round 22.

Battle’s heroic mark running back with the flight of the ball in Round 21 confirmed one of the Saints’ most emphatic wins for the year, with the bloodied and bandaged defender gifting his side the four points over Fremantle.

Battle was selected by St Kilda with pick No. 39 in the 2016 National Draft.

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