MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: (L-R) Charlie Ballard, Lachie Weller and Anthony Miles of the Suns celebrate during the 2019 AFL round 03 match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on April 07, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
The Gold Coast Suns have re-signed young gun Charlie Ballard to a four-year contract extension, tying him to the club until the 2025 season.
Ballard told Suns Media that it was an awesome feeling to secure his future up on the Gold Coast long-term.
“I love living on the Gold Coast and playing for the Suns… it was a pretty easy decision in the end,” he said.
“We have such a great young core group of committed players here, but now it’s up to us to make sure we achieve success and make our supporters proud.”
Ballard’s development has improved out of sight since being picked up by the Suns with the 42nd pick in the 2017 AFL Draft.
The 21-year old played in all but one match in 2020 and finished seventh in the competition for intercept marks.
Gold Coast’s General Manager of Football Operations Jon Haines also told the club's website that the club is excited to see Ballard further develop his game.
“Charlie is a young man of tremendous character who has quickly become an integral part of the fabric of our club,” he said.
“His commitment is another sign of the belief within the playing group as we enter the 2021 pre-season.”
The Suns won five games in 2020, showing signs of improvement and competitiveness in comparison to previous seasons.