Josh Battle - Where’s he at?

[skeptic]

Following the final vs Richmond that he almost turned around on his own...
Battle was a guy that I really expected to elevate his game this season.

Kind of feel like he’s really been all over shop so far... not kicking goals as forward, decent as a defender but then yanked away... fizzled as a kid

What do others think of his season and the best way to play him?

How good can he be?

[perfectionist]

Dropping marks that he took last year as a second tall in a pack. He is putting pressure on taller opposition players, which perhaps is his role.

[SemperFidelis]

Even though he didn’t star last night he was a real presence, and I like him so much more up forward. He’s got decent pace for a bloke his size. It will take a while now that Paddy and Roma are back to get that wing/half forward structure right.

[Impatient Sainter]

He is out of form, but is it any wonder it happens to all players when they are thrown around as much as he has been. Ratts wants player flexibility but he has cruelled Battle, the poor kid doesnt know where he is playing from one week to the next.

[Yorkeys]

Did you hear the smack when he was hit while exposed getting a kick away towards/in the Frawley end. Big whack, he was off balance and was caught flush by the Hawk. Did not miss a beat after. Tough as nails, genuine and talented. My whole row flinched and ooh arrhed.

[bergsone]

I feel he is the type of player who does a lot that goes unnoticed.Strong in the contest a real workhorse who can do a job forward or back

[saynta]

I feel he is the type of player who does a lot that goes unnoticed.Strong in the contest a real workhorse who can do a job forward or back

Yep.

[B.M]

Watched him closely yesterday

He is slow.

Good endurance put average speed, power and agility for a player of his size (medium sized)

He would do ok in Wilkie’s role, but isn’t as good as Wilkie.
Maybe in Membreys role, but he’s not as good as Membrey.

So what role does he play??

[SaintPav]

Spare parts?

[bangaulegend]

No confidence seems hesitant not really attacking the ball like he has done in the past . Still a handy player just needs to find his place

[Scollop]

I think we have some players like Battle who just don't get enough recognition because they don't hang on to the footy and wait for the cameras to zoom in on them

If Bytel wasn't a young player that you want to follow closely, you'd miss his handballs and what he does out there. Same with Battle

He is generally good with his decision making and his disposal efficiency. Good intercept marking when playing in the backline and pretty handy as a forward

Josh is fearless when it comes to attacking the oppositions bigger body mids so he also starts on the wing at the centre bounces

He also crashes packs and creates opportunities in marking contests (we got an easy goal out of it against the Hawks)

Ratts has been filling holes with him as we all know. He's been used in the backline on KPF's and he's had some good games

He's probably narrowly missed out on votes a few times this year in the prestigious Eastern Memorial

[saynta]

I think we have some players like Battle who just don't get enough recognition because they don't hang on to the footy and wait for the cameras to zoom in on them

If Bytel wasn't a young player that you want to follow closely, you'd miss his handballs and what he does out there. Same with Battle

He is generally good with his decision making and his disposal efficiency. Good intercept marking when playing in the backline and pretty handy as a forward

Josh is fearless when it comes to attacking the oppositions bigger body mids so he also starts on the wing at the centre bounces

He also crashes packs and creates opportunities in marking contests (we got an easy goal out of it against the Hawks)

Ratts has been filling holes with him as we all know. He's been used in the backline on KPF's and he's had some good games

He's probably narrowly missed out on votes a few times this year in the prestigious Eastern Memorial

Good comments.

[CQ SAINT]

I think we have some players like Battle who just don't get enough recognition because they don't hang on to the footy and wait for the cameras to zoom in on them

If Bytel wasn't a young player that you want to follow closely, you'd miss his handballs and what he does out there. Same with Battle

He is generally good with his decision making and his disposal efficiency. Good intercept marking when playing in the backline and pretty handy as a forward

Josh is fearless when it comes to attacking the oppositions bigger body mids so he also starts on the wing at the centre bounces

He also crashes packs and creates opportunities in marking contests (we got an easy goal out of it against the Hawks)

Ratts has been filling holes with him as we all know. He's been used in the backline on KPF's and he's had some good games

He's probably narrowly missed out on votes a few times this year in the prestigious Eastern Memorial

+1

[older saint]

i think is a victim of his versitility. Important in the team for this reason but can alos seem a little outof sorts when thrown around. In perfect worls would be locked into a spot but seems Joyce for the moment has taken his likely spot.

Bit of a Jason Blake for this generation of player .

[Impatient Sainter]

Watched him closely yesterday

He is slow.

Good endurance put average speed, power and agility for a player of his size (medium sized)

He would do ok in Wilkie’s role, but isn’t as good as Wilkie.
Maybe in Membreys role, but he’s not as good as Membrey.

So what role does he play??

You are right he is not quick enough or smart enough as a key forward to get himself that metre or two separation. Key defence is his best position now, but he looks like he is playing tired ATM and needs a week off. Bring McKenzie in this week and rest Battle for a week.

[repta]

Time for the coaches to give him a position and let him learn how to play it.

Thrown around too much with no consistency and has lost confidence.

Could be a great. Just need to give him some breathing space to grow.

[skeptic]

On watching the replay... 100% agree that Battle was a lot more involved and did a number of nice, easy to miss things

Regardless, he’s still not at the level where he was last year where he was doing all that and having three odd game he’d take some big marks and kick 1-2 goals as well

[Vortex]

I have a man crush on Battle. He looks like a footballers footballer. Only knows how to bodyline the ball.

I reckon he is our Brody Mihocek.

[IluvHarvey]

He has been thrown into every position on the ground this year so hasn't been able to work on any stability.

However, I have said it a million times this year. He has lost the ability to kick! His kicking skills have gone so far backwards that he is the worst kick in our team.
Is he carrying some sort of leg injury does anyone know?

[Ghost Like]

Perhaps he can be that forward to keep the opposition's third man up / interceptor honest. He strikes me as a selfless young man & team oriented. Very much a man to have beside you in the trenches.

[B.M]

He hasn’t played every position

He’s played key forward, key back and wing

[Impatient Sainter]

He hasn’t played every position

He’s played key forward, key back and wing

And he hasnt really nailed any of them. He needs to be allowed to settle in one position and stay there until he does feel comfortable, otherwise Ratts is going to burn him out.

[B.M]

The problem is he can’t nail one!

His best effort was Key Back in 2019

[Crossy66]

Any track watchers see where Battle trained this week? Back/fwd/ wing?

[SinCitySainter]

His issue is he is an endurance athlete who has no explosive pace and a 6' 3" KPP. He is only suited to playing key forward or back but without that burst of pace he can't break away or close down.
I really like him as a player and does most things well. However, he has no elite traits and that is why I think he will never be a star but will have a good career as a good honest player and every team needs those sorts.