Hawthorn's Sunday night clash against reigning premiers Brisbane looms as a season-defining encounter that could shape the flag prospects of both sides in 2025.
The Lions head into the matchup without premiership forward Eric Hipwood, but their attack remains potent, boasting Cam Rayner, Logan Morris, Callum Ah Chee, and the returning Kai Lohmann.
For the Hawks, confidence in their defensive structure is high - especially with one of their biggest off-season recruits proving his worth in gold and brown.
In his first year at the club, after moving to Hawthorn as a free agent following the 2024 trade period, Josh Battle has proved his importance to the Hawks' lineup as they push for a top-four spot in the 2025 finals series.
The 26-year-old has slotted seamlessly into the Hawks' defence on a six-year deal running until the end of the 2030 season, forming a pivotal partnership with fellow recruit Tom Barrass to help shore up Hawthorn's backline.
Under the guidance of Hawthorn defensive coach Kade Simpson, Battle has become a cornerstone of the Hawks defensive unit, flourishing in his role as a key defender and consistently drawing the competition's most dangerous forwards as his direct opponents.
Throughout the 2025 season, Battle has played all 22 games to date for the Hawks and lined up against notable goal-kicking forwards, including Geelong's Jeremy Cameron, Port Adelaide's Mitch Georgiadis, Carlton's Charlie Curnow, and the Adelaide duo of Taylor Walker and Darcy Fogarty.
While playing on some of the most dominant forwards in the competition would prove difficult for many, Battle has taken to the job with the utmost concentration and effort, keeping his opponents in check and helping the Hawks record a 14-8 record, with one game still to come against Brisbane tomorrow night.
The fact that Battle has conceded multiple goals in only one game to date—the Round 6 clash against Geelong where Cameron, who is currently leading the Coleman Medal with 79 goals, kicked two goals on him—proves that his signing shows why the Hawks looked to bring him to Hawthorn to be an integral part of their defensive structure.
Battle, who has received 33 coaches' votes to date this season, has shown the balance between his defensive exploits and his attacking qualities. He has demonstrated his ability to stop opponents in their tracks while also being a crucial link in the Hawks' fast-moving counter-attacking raids.
In 2025, Battle has compiled impressive statistics that showcase his all-around impact. He averages 18.6 disposals per game—ranking elite among key defenders—while contributing 5.6 marks, 2.8 score involvements, 1.5 inside 50s, and 1.8 tackles.
These numbers reflect his dual role as both a defensive stopper and an attacking weapon for a Hawthorn side building on their 2024 finals appearance.
As Hawthorn sets its sights on a deep September campaign and a shot at their 14th premiership, Battle's emergence as a vital lockdown defender gives the Hawks genuine belief in their title credentials.
With their defensive unit hitting peak form at the pointy end of the season, Hawthorn enters the finals knowing they possess the defensive foundation necessary to Battle the competition's elite.
