Battle 'testing the waters'

[wally]

He did the job at CHB for a while ago I don’t understand why he wasn’t played there more this year.Surely the job of coaches is to improve players.

[older saint]

Seems the water was tepid at best. Perhaps this is a reason Clav got chopped because Battle wasn't going anywhere.

Battle has one year left & appears our back-up for the backline, forwardline, ruck. I cannot see wing as an option, at all.

Clav got chopped, must have missed it?

[older saint]

Still like the idea of Battle for Narkle. Battle is excess to what we currently have and he is better than Rat for Geelong and Narkle is the type of player we need and hasn't been given a go by the retirement village

[Sanctorum]

I have long advocated for Josh Battle to undergo intensive training to play midfield, much like Fyfe, Bontempelli and Pendlebury all of whom are similar size. He is considered to have a tank and his disposal skills are OK, he has a lot of natural aggression in his attack on the ball and can become the midfield enforcer to complement the excellent work of Zak Jones at clearances, even ruck when required.

In some ways Josh Battle holds the key to St Kilda's fortunes in 2022 and beyond, at 23 and 54 games he's cherry ripe to take the next step, make it happen Ratts!!

[Impatient Sainter]

I have long advocated for Josh Battle to undergo intensive training to play midfield, much like Fyfe, Bontempelli and Pendlebury all of whom are similar size. He is considered to have a tank and his disposal skills are OK, he has a lot of natural aggression in his attack on the ball and can become the midfield enforcer to complement the excellent work of Zak Jones at clearances, even ruck when required.

In some ways Josh Battle holds the key to St Kilda's fortunes in 2022 and beyond, at 23 and 54 games he's cherry ripe to take the next step, make it happen Ratts!!

Its all well and good with the coach trying to turn him into a tall midfielder/wingman, but I dont believe Battles sees that as his best position. Even when he played on a wing at Sandringham he didnt dominate or look happy. To get the best out if himself the player has too honestly believe thats his best role, not just play there to get a game and keep the coach happy.

[Ghost Like]

I have long advocated for Josh Battle to undergo intensive training to play midfield, much like Fyfe, Bontempelli and Pendlebury all of whom are similar size. He is considered to have a tank and his disposal skills are OK, he has a lot of natural aggression in his attack on the ball and can become the midfield enforcer to complement the excellent work of Zak Jones at clearances, even ruck when required.

In some ways Josh Battle holds the key to St Kilda's fortunes in 2022 and beyond, at 23 and 54 games he's cherry ripe to take the next step, make it happen Ratts!!

Its all well and good with the coach trying to turn him into a tall midfielder/wingman, but I dont believe Battles sees that as his best position. Even when he played on a wing at Sandringham he didnt dominate or look happy. To get the best out if himself the player has too honestly believe thats his best role, not just play there to get a game and keep the coach happy.

I agree with you IS but in this age of "playing a role", isn't that what all players must be prepared to do.

I think the coach and player need to work together to find that player's best position for the team's game plan. Battle is obviously talented but in a Jack of All Trades way, I can't see him mastering any position. He is your quintessential utility.

[saynta]

Battle should be played at CHB and be allowed to settle there.

[bergsone]

Battle should be played at CHB and be allowed to settle there.

I agree with Battle being allowed to settle in one place trouble is I reckon Highmore is the preferred chb .But still think we are short on tall backs.Cant see him in front of Howard,Wilke,Highmore so does he stick around or leave to get senior chance elsewhere

PS i hope he stays

[SaintPav]

I have long advocated for Josh Battle to undergo intensive training to play midfield, much like Fyfe, Bontempelli and Pendlebury all of whom are similar size. He is considered to have a tank and his disposal skills are OK, he has a lot of natural aggression in his attack on the ball and can become the midfield enforcer to complement the excellent work of Zak Jones at clearances, even ruck when required.

In some ways Josh Battle holds the key to St Kilda's fortunes in 2022 and beyond, at 23 and 54 games he's cherry ripe to take the next step, make it happen Ratts!!

Are we watching the same game?

[vacuous space]

I agree with Battle being allowed to settle in one place trouble is I reckon Highmore is the preferred chb .But still think we are short on tall backs.Cant see him in front of Howard,Wilke,Highmore so does he stick around or leave to get senior chance elsewhere

PS i hope he stays

It sounds like Battle is staying. He's got a year left to run, so my guess is he gets moved back and competes with the likes of Highmore, Joyce and maybe even Coffield for game time. Sharman's emergence means he's unlikely to get much time up forward. We probably have too many better options on the wing, particularly after McKenzie's season.

You're probably right about him being on the outside looking in heading into preseason. There will be injuries, though. He probably not best-22 at this point, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't play a lot of games, if only because he can be used in so many different places.

[saynta]

I agree with Battle being allowed to settle in one place trouble is I reckon Highmore is the preferred chb .But still think we are short on tall backs.Cant see him in front of Howard,Wilke,Highmore so does he stick around or leave to get senior chance elsewhere

PS i hope he stays

It sounds like Battle is staying. He's got a year left to run, so my guess is he gets moved back and competes with the likes of Highmore, Joyce and maybe even Coffield for game time. Sharman's emergence means he's unlikely to get much time up forward. We probably have too many better options on the wing, particularly after McKenzie's season.

You're probably right about him being on the outside looking in heading into preseason. There will be injuries, though. He probably not best-22 at this point, but I'd be surprised if he doesn't play a lot of games, if only because he can be used in so many different places.

Good post with sound comments.

[B.M]

Highmore has shown a lot more behind the footy

Likewise Sharman has looked better in front of it

And both will be better next season!