Charlie Ballard
Charlie Ballard is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the Gold Coast Suns in the Australian Football League. He is a midfielder. He made his AFL debut in round 7 of the 2018 season, in the nine-point loss against the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium. He kicked one goal on debut.
Originally from Sturt, Ballard played in their under-18 premiership. He also played for Sacred Heart College. Ballard averaged 18 disposals on the wing in the 2017 AFL Under 18 Championships, playing for South Australia. He ran 3.05 seconds in the sprint at the AFL Draft Combine, and was touted as a top-30 selection at the 2017 AFL draft. Ballard was selected by Gold Coast with pick 42, their 3rd-round selection.
On debut, Ballard was praised by coach Stuart Dew, along with fellow debutant Brayden Crossley.
