All-Australian Defender Josh Battle has fronted the media ahead of his 150th AFL game this Saturday afternoon against the GWS Giants.

Battle, who is set to enter his second season with the Hawks in 2026, says he's loving his time in the brown and gold as he sets his sights on improving on the Club's Preliminary Final exit last year.

Here are the key points from Tuesday's press conference at the Kennedy Community Centre:

ON GAME 150

"It's gone pretty fast. You kind of blink and now you're here. Obviously spent eight seasons at the Saints and my first year last year at the Hawks. I'm loving my time here.

"It's been a bit of a journey and I've learned a lot. I played a bit of here, there and everywhere, and in the past 4-5 seasons I've really honed in down in defence and that's where I play my best footy.

"It was a very hard decision (leaving the Saints) that I didn't take lightly, but absolutely loving my time here so far. Last year was amazing, obviously to get to a Prelim, we weren't far off the pinnacle. We have worked super hard this pre-season and hopefully we give ourselves an opportunity to get back there this year.

ON FACING THE GIANTS THIS SATURDAY

It comes around quick. The GIANTS are a great outfit, so we're really looking forward to the battle and can't wait to get into it this weekend. I love it (Opening Round). I think most of the other boys love it too, they just want to get out there and play so I don't think it bothers us when games are played. We know we have a solid first month, so it starts with the GIANTS this week.

ON THE MIDFIELD MIX

We've obviously had a fair few guys go through there across the pre-season and they're doing an amazing job and developing their game. Connor (Macdonald) has had a great pre-season and he's been one that I've really admired the way he's gone about it, the way he trains and the way he prepares. Hopefully he cracks in there and has a really good year. I'm a massive advocate for Wedds (Josh Weddle). I love watching him go about it, the way he trains, if you watch him here he's an absolute unit.