Josh Battle faces a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his eye socket
SPARKY young St Kilda forward Josh Battle faces a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his eye socket in Sunday’s upset victory over Melbourne. How long will he be out of action for?
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SPARKY young St Kilda forward Josh Battle faces a spell on the sidelines after fracturing his eye socket in Sunday’s upset victory over Melbourne.
It is believed Battle suffered the injury early but he played out the match.
The 19-year-old came into Saints’ team in Round 12 against Sydney and was singled out as a “shining light’’ by coach Alan Richardson after kicking two goals.
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Battle followed up with three goals against Gold Coast and then collected a career-best 16 disposals and seven marks against the Dees.
The Saints are expected to be without Battle for a few games, including Saturday’s trip to face Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
The Saints are 0-8 at Adelaide Oval.
St Kilda then plays two matches on the Friday night stage — against Carlton and Richmond.
Battle made his AFL debut on a Friday night last year while still in Year 12 at Haileybury College.
But the Saints will be able to tap into the experience of Josh Bruce as a replacement for Battle.
The left-footer, who is contracted until 2020, booted three goals and took seven marks for Sandringham against reigning VFL premier Port Melbourne on Saturday.
“He’s a quality AFL player. We know what he can do at AFL level … he’s a selfless player, he wins or halves his contests and he has a high appetite for work,’’ Sandy coach Aaron Hamill told reporters after the game.
“Is he close? Look he’ll be discussed at match committee I’m sure at length. He’d be certain to push his case forward this week.’’
Entering this season Bruce, 26, had missed just two games for the Saints since 2014.
But he has not played at AFL level since Round 3.
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