Gold Coast has recalled in-demand defender Charlie Ballard for its must-win clash against
The 196cm key defender has been out of favour this season, playing just six games as rival clubs circle.
Ballard is signed until the end of the 2029 season, but when the Suns defence was firing earlier in the year, the Suns opted for dour youngster Oscar Adams, alongside Sam Collins and Mac Andrew to Ballard.
The 27-year-old was an automatic selection for the Suns in the six seasons prior to last year, where he ruptured his ACL in the first game of the season.
In his prime and having proven he can match it with the best forwards in the league, which has rival clubs keeping an eye on him.
Western Bulldogs is in the market for a key defender at the end of the season.
Following the aforementioned injury last year, coach Damien Hardwick described Ballard as a "glue guy" of the locker room.
Adams has played every game since Round 6 before his omission this week for Ballard.
The next month looms as an important period in whether he decides to stay up north or seek a fresh start.
Despite not having won since Round 10, Hardwick has resisted the urge to wield the axe, with Ballard's inclusion for Adams the only change.
The Suns currently sit a game and percentage outside the top 10 and must beat Carlton on Saturday to keep their Wildcard Round aspirations alive.
