Charlie Ballard is a standout defender for the Gold Coast Suns in the AFL. Known for his strong presence in the backline, Ballard has built a reputation as one of the most reliable young defenders in the league.
In this article, you will learn about Charlie Ballard’s net worth, career earnings, contract details, career overview, stats, relationship status, and more.
Charlie Ballard’s Biography
| Field | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charlie Ballard |
| Date of Birth | 23 July 1999 |
| Age | 26 |
| Education | Sacred Heart College (South Australia) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 196 cm (6’5”) |
| Weight | 95 kg (209lbs) |
| Turned Pro | 2018 (AFL Debut) |
| Net Worth | $2 million AUD |
| Salary | $600,000 AUD (estimated) |
| Contract Ends | 2029 |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Charlie Ballard started his football journey in Mitcham, South Australia, joining the Auskick program at a young age. His early promise showed as he played for the Sturt Football Club, where he was a part of their under-18 premiership team in the SANFL.
As a versatile player, Ballard excelled on the wing during the 2017 AFL Under 18 Championships. He impressed many scouts by averaging 18 disposals per game and showing great athletic ability, with a 3.05-second sprint in the draft combine.
After finishing his junior football career at Sacred Heart College, Ballard was touted as a promising top-30 pick and ended up being selected at No.42 in the 2017 AFL Draft by the Gold Coast Suns.
Professional Career
Ballard made his AFL debut for the Gold Coast Suns in round 7 of the 2018 season against the Western Bulldogs, impressing with a goal and solid defense. Over the years, he established himself as a regular fixture in the Suns’ backline, quickly becoming one of the team’s key defenders.
Thanks to his intercept marking and calmness under pressure, Ballard played every match in the 2023 and 2024 seasons and became an essential part of the Suns’ defense. In recognition of his growth and consistent performance, Ballard signed a contract extension in 2024, ensuring his position with the Suns through the 2029 season.
Unfortunately, in the first round of the 2025 season, Ballard suffered an ACL injury, sidelining him for the rest of the year.
Charlie Ballard’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Charlie Ballard’s net worth is estimated at $2 million AUD. His main sources of income come from his professional AFL contracts and performance-related bonuses.
Contract
Ballard signed a new four-year contract extension with the Gold Coast Suns, securing his position on the team until the end of the 2029 AFL season.
This extension locked him into the Suns’ defensive core for the long term and recognized his value as one of the top intercept defenders in the league.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Ballard’s annual salary is estimated to be around $600,000 AUD. He earns this amount through his player salary, bonuses, and incentives aligned with his contract extension terms.
Career Earnings
| Year | Estimated Earnings (AUD) |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $200,000 |
| 2019 | $220,000 |
| 2020 | $240,000 |
| 2021 | $350,000 |
| 2022 | $450,000 |
| 2023 | $550,000 |
| 2024 | $600,000 |
| 2025 | $600,000 |
| Total | $3,210,000 |
Career Stats
| Year | Games | Goals | Kicks | Handballs | Disposals | Marks | Tackles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 11 | 1 | 79 | 34 | 113 | 39 | 15 |
| 2019 | 21 | 0 | 211 | 63 | 274 | 111 | 23 |
| 2020 | 16 | 0 | 114 | 44 | 158 | 68 | 13 |
| 2021 | 21 | 0 | 227 | 61 | 288 | 140 | 25 |
| 2022 | 18 | 0 | 177 | 49 | 226 | 109 | 22 |
| 2023 | 23 | 1 | 230 | 63 | 293 | 142 | 29 |
| 2024 | 23 | 1 | 184 | 94 | 278 | 111 | 28 |
| Career | 133 | 3 | 1,222 | 408 | 1,630 | 720 | 155 |
FAQs
1. How many AFL games has Charlie Ballard played for the Gold Coast Suns?
He has played 133 AFL games for the Gold Coast Suns as a key defender, showing consistent performance and durability since making his debut.
2. What injury did Ballard face during the 2025 AFL season?
He suffered a ruptured ACL in his left knee during Round 1 of the 2025 season, which led to him being sidelined for the remainder of the year.
3. When did Charlie Ballard sign his latest contract extension?
Ballard signed a contract extension with the Gold Coast Suns in September 2024, securing his spot with the team until the end of the 2029 season.
4. What are Ballard’s top strengths as an AFL player?
His intercept marking, reliability in defense, and leadership qualities have made him one of the most important defenders for the Suns and a recognized player in the league.
5. What nickname does Charlie Ballard have?
Teammates and fans know him as “Chook,” a nickname that reflects his friendly nature and popularity within the Gold Coast Suns squad.
