Hawthorn shocked everyone except their most diehard fans by making a finals charge last September, and now a new recruit has dropped an even bigger surprise.
Hawks star signing Josh Battle has pulled off the ultimate deception with his friends and family, inviting them to an engagement party and then stunning them with a wedding to partner Casey Ollier instead.
Past, present and future teammates, friends and family all arrived at San Lorenzo Wine and Dining in Scoresby wearing their Sunday best, expecting to congratulate the couple on their impending nuptials – only to be swept up in the wedding itself.
It was a heartwarming ceremony featuring the couple’s daughter, Billie, who played a key role in the event, pushing baby Bobbi down the aisle in a tender moment.
Bobbi, born in April 2024, is Casey’s second child, joining her big sister, Billie Lee Decker, who is now three.
Casey sold the deception early in the day with a white short dress, that was formal enough for a big occasion but also relaxed enough to hide the fact the couple was springing a wedding on their friends and family.
Josh Battle and Casey Ollier pulled the ultimate trick on their loved ones, inviting them to an engagement party and then delivering a wedding (pictured)
The couple’s daughter Billie (bottom right) played a role in the stunning ceremony
Casey had to make a quick change on the day, starting off in this dress before evolving it into her stunning wedding gown
As the ceremony unfolded, Casey walked down the aisle in a breathtaking gown, a creation from Made with Love Bridal complete with veil and train.
But what truly made the dress special was having the words ‘Swear on our heart’ delicately embroidered into her veil by Melbourne Creative Studio.
For Battle, this wedding was the culmination of a rollercoaster year.
He had left St Kilda, the team where he played 123 games over eight seasons, for a fresh start with Hawthorn.
‘It was definitely one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in my life,’ he said.
But Casey, his partner and mother of his children, had been his rock.
‘To be honest I was lucky as we just had Bobbi, there was a lot going on at home so the distraction wasn’t as big as it may have seemed,’ he said.
While the shock of the engagement part turned wedding was a grenade for the gathered friends and family, the vows were a bomb.
Friends and family took to social media to congratulate the couple on pulling off the sensational wedding
It was a picture perfect day for a wedding, with Battle calling Ollier his “rock” during the vows
The happy couple are looking forward to a big future together with a fresh start in 2025
‘Today I stand here knowing that you are the person I want to spend every moment of my life with. You are my best friend, my greatest support and love of my life,’ Battle said.
Casey, equally emotional, reciprocated with her vows: ‘You are my partner, the father of our children. My best friend… you are the love of my life.’
It was the perfect surprise, with guests taking to social media to congratulate the couple again.,
‘Sometimes, springing a surprise wedding just makes sense! Congratulations Battle family,’ one guest said.
‘Witnessed the most perfect wedding! Can’t stop thinking about it,’ another added.
Josh’s transition from St Kilda to Hawthorn in October 2024 was one of the most talked-about moves in the AFL.
After eight seasons with the Saints, where he became a key defensive player, Battle decided to leave and join Hawthorn as a free agent.
Despite St Kilda offering him a substantial contract to stay, Battle felt the need for a new challenge.
Battle was a long-term St Kilda defender, but will wear Hawthorn colours this AFL season
‘Case has been amazing, and we knew we’d get to the end of the year and really nut it out, have a good think about what is best for us, what is best for the future,’ Battle said.
Alongside Tom Barrass, he is set to provide leadership and stability to the young Hawks that already has fans excited.
‘Getting married AND winning the flag in the same year,’ one Hawthorn fan posted to social media.