Now that the dust has settled, do we even care that Battle has left?

[Moods]

I was filthy with him originally, for all sorts of reasons. Namely that we had appeared to nurture him from a young age, brought him into our club, were patient with him whilst he struggled to find his feet and his natural position. He plays two good seasons and cashed his chips in at the first available opportunity. Some players try and go out of their way to ensure that the club they have left get the best possible compensation they can, he seemed to be the opposite. By taking less money he opened our club up to ridicule and questioning whether the players were committed or really believed that we were on the right track. I was mainly bitter though because I was certain that by taking less money it would ensure we got lower compensation - so we developed a player and he walks for reasons that still aren't clear, but are crystal clear - he thinks the Hawks are better.

Now.....??? I'm actually glad he left because of the compensation we got. Two picks inside the top 10 hasn't occurred for years for us sainters and I have far more confidence in what we're doing at the draft and who we're bringing into the club than I did 6-7 years ago when we got Clark and Coffield. Make no mistake we have done well out of this. I know plenty will say a bird in the hand and all that, but we need to take some risks to jump up the ladder. Two picks inside the top 10 could accelerate where we are going, pleeaaasssse don't stuff this up.

[skeptic]

I’m not overly bothered beyond some concern that a key cog of our defence, which face it… has been our strength for a few seasons, has left.

By all accounts Arie is putting his hand up for the role. Not as big or strong as Josh but obviously a more damaging playmaker. Still… Battle is certainly more replaceable than both Howard and Wilkie.

Still… we do feel a little light for talls down back. Talk of Caminati going back or perhaps a Hastie, McLennan or Hayes can do it

[bobmurray]

I'll only be concerned if we don't, trade, draft or SSP a reasonable replacement.

SOS might have to ask his son if there are any potential Key or Rebounding Backmen out there looking for a list spot.

[saintsRrising]

Not as big or strong as Josh but obviously a more damaging playmaker.

Well no doubt Battle is cuurently stronger as he has a more mature battle hardened (pub intended) mature body, Arie is 1cm taller. He was kg lighter than Battle at the start of this season, but I would expect by next season's start he will heavier.

[Yorkeys]

Agree it's panned out OK.
Be interesting to see where he plays for Hawthorn and our tactics when we play against him.
He takes good IP with him however he has probably peaked and we have maxed out roi. Nominal pick 8 and a rejigged backline are exciting prospects.
Josh probably hasn't had the burden of expectations on him before, but he does now and no Wilks, Nas or Sincs supporting him.

[Nick DalSanto Claus]

No.

[D.B.Cooper]

#8 is overs for JB in my opinion.
Therefore it’s a win / win.

What was JB, pick #39?
We got 8 seasons and #8 out of him.

Sounds good to me.
I would have toasted him at the B&F.

[chook23]

#8 is overs for JB in my opinion.
Therefore it’s a win / win.

What was JB, pick #39?
We got 8 seasons and #8 out of him.

Sounds good to me.
I would have toasted him at the B&F.

Might be overs

Only be a win if we pick a player that confirms that win win

[cwrcyn]

A lot of people underestimate how good Battle has been the past two years and it's hard to replace key defenders.

The fact that he's slightly undersized for his position shows how good he is. When did we see him get beaten Inna contest? Almost never

Getting pick 8 at least gives us something decent to work with, though

I'm not happy losing a highly competent key defender who has 7 years of football left in him

[Big Max]

I'll only be concerned if we don't, trade, draft or SSP a reasonable replacement.

SOS might have to ask his son if there are any potential Key or Rebounding Backmen out there looking for a list spot.

Now you mention it, the son of SOS could probably play Battle's role.

[The_Dud]

Leaves a big hole in our backline which we can’t fill immediately, but the compo is very good.

Now the trick is to not stuff this up at draft time, pick the 2 best mids, let’s hope we don’t try to get too clever…

[D.B.Cooper]

I'll only be concerned if we don't, trade, draft or SSP a reasonable replacement.

SOS might have to ask his son if there are any potential Key or Rebounding Backmen out there looking for a list spot.

Now you mention it, the son of SOS could probably play Battle's role.

I’m sure you are taking the piss Big Max.