Charlie Ballard Biography

Charlie Ballard signs a four-year extension with Gold Coast to remain at the club until the end of 2025.

Since being taken at pick No.42 in the 2017 NAB AFL Draft, Ballard has developed into one of the most promising key defenders in the competition, playing 48 games in his three seasons.

"It's awesome to be able to secure my future at the Suns and sign on long-term. I love living on the Gold Coast and playing for the Suns ? it was a pretty easy decision in the end," Ballard said.

Charlie Ballard has become one of Gold Coast's most crucial players in 2020, with the key defender acting as the team's intercept specialist in defence.

After playing 11 games in his debut 2018 season, the 21-year-old played 21 last season and was thrust the responsibility in the backline with an injury-struck Suns line-up.

"A lot of times I was playing that third role and late in the year with those injuries I was pushed up to more of a second key defender role. I took that in my stride and was learning a bit of a different craft," he said.

"I just didn't want to become complacent in my position and I wanted to become a really good player and a really important player for the side. I wanted to work on my strengths which I believe I have done with my intercepting and reading the play, but that comes with defending in general."

Charlie Ballard will be sidelined for three months after undergoing a right shoulder reconstruction.

Charlie Ballard been a Suns surprise packet in 2018, playing seven games straight and playing a variety of roles before settling in the backline.

"Would we think he'd play this many games? I don't think so, but we also picked up early on in the piece, the way he went about his football, we thought he's a real chance to play senior footy and then it will just be how he adapts to that level and I think he looks really comfortable," Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew said.

"He's got a lot to learn but we're loving his development. I think he's got a lot of courage. There's a lot to like.

"He's got a healthy confidence about his ability, which is important and underestimated for a first-year player."

Charlie Ballard signs a new two-year deal with Gold Coast to remain at the club until the end of 2021.

"It gives me a bit of surety with my future and it's really exciting to be part of such a young and exciting group," Ballard said.

"I had a brief conversation with my family about it and there was absolutely no hesitation in re-signing."

Charlie Ballard makes his AFL debut for Gold Coast with 7 disposals (6 kicks and a handball), 4 marks, 2 tackles and a goal in a 9-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.