St Kilda is highly confident that free agent Josh Battle will sign a long-term contract with the club amid heavy interest from rival clubs.
Battle has become a key pillar in the Saints’ defence and is one of over 20 out-of-contract players the club would want to keep.
Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary reported that Hawthorn is one of the clubs coming “hardest” for the 25-year-old.
“They’ve got more than 20 out of contract (players) for next year but none more important than defender Josh Battle,” Cleary said.
“Hawthorn the club coming hardest for Battle, who has a big decision to make.”
Cleary spoke to St Kilda Football boss David Mission before the clash with Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night about Battle’s contract negotiations.
Mission said the club was confident that the defender would remain at Moorabbin for the long term.
“We’re hopeful,” Mission said.
“We’re working with his management pretty closely and we think Josh really wants to stay at the Saints.
“We’ll be working hard to keep him… We think so (he wants to stay long term), obviously there is a lot of interest and our list management guys are working really hard to get it happening sooner rather than later.”
Battle played his 100th game earlier in the season and is seen as a pivotal player in the St Kilda lineup.
Having locked away a defensive post, the 25-year-old’s versatility has seen coach Ross Lyon swing him forward in a time of need, proving to be a precious commodity in the red, white and black.
The Saints came away as victors from their clash with the Suns, recording their fifth win of the season.
They now turn their attention to Brisbane for Round 14.
