ST KILDA defender Josh Battle has officially joined Hawthorn as an unrestricted free agent. 

The 26-year-old informed St Kilda in August of his wishes to exercise his free agency rights after carefully considering his future at the Saints, with Battle joining Hawthorn on a six-year contract.

The Saints have received band one compensation in return, which currently equates to pick eight in the upcoming Telstra AFL Draft.

The Saints were heavily criticised for telling Battle not to attend the club's best and fairest night following his decision to switch to the Hawks.

Battle was third in the count in a season where St Kilda finished 12th.

Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell had been been a key factor in Battle's decision, while new player acquisition manager Jarryd Roughead was also heavily involved in the pursuit. 

The Haileybury College product played 123 games across his first eight seasons in the AFL after being selected at pick No.39 in the 2016 Telstra AFL Draft.

St Kilda originally drafted Battle as a key forward before developing him into a mobile defender.

Hawthorn list boss Mark McKenzie said the club was delighted to add a quality player to the mix.

"We’re thrilled to finally welcome Josh, his partner Casey, and children Bobbi and Billie to the Hawks," McKenzie said.

"Josh is someone we identified as a key acquisition for our club, and we’re delighted he’s chosen the Hawks in this next phase of his career.

"With more than eight seasons of at the top level, Josh is a proven player who will make an immediate impact in our back six, whilst improving our team on a whole.

"Along with his talents, Josh is a high calibre person who will positively influence the direction of our club going forward."

Under the guidance of third-year coach Mitchell, Hawthorn qualified for the finals for the first time since 2018 and went on to win its elimination final against the Western Bulldogs before bowing out in the semi-final against Port Adelaide.