Gold Coast Suns lose Ballard for rest of AFL season with ACL
Gold Coast Suns defender Charlie Ballard will miss the rest of the 2025 AFL season after scans on Tuesday confirmed an ACL rupture in his left knee.
The news is a hammer blow to the Suns, who started their campaign with an 87-point win over the West Coast Eagles on Sunday — the biggest victory in the club’s history.
The incident occurred when Ballard landed awkwardly after a mark, forcing him off the ground during the second quarter at Perth Stadium.
“It’s terrible news for Charlie and the team, but we will provide him with all the support he needs throughout his recovery to ensure he returns to his best next year,” Suns football manager Wayne Campbell said.
“Charlie is an extremely important member of our club, on and off the field, and we will be with him each step of his journey.”
The Suns now have a week off to regroup ahead of their Round 3 clash with Melbourne at the MCG.
Top online bookmakers are paying $2.12 for Damien Hardwick’s side to clinch another win on the road, with the Demons returning $1.73.
AFL betting sites still have the Suns in the lower half of premiership betting markets at $34, while they are offering $2.63 to reach the finals for the first time.
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