Gold Coast SUNS defender Charlie Ballard will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership season after suffering a ruptured ACL.

Ballard left the field during the second quarter of Sunday’s Round 1 match at Optus Stadium and was sent for scans on Monday.

“Charlie received scans upon arriving back on the Gold Coast late yesterday afternoon with results confirming he had suffered a ruptured ACL,” GC SUNS General Manager of Football Performance Wayne Campbell said.

“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.” 

“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.”

Ballard has been integral to the football club since debuting in 2018 having played 134 games across his eight seasons for the SUNS.

With the support of SUNS Medical staff, Ballard will consult with a surgeon in the coming days before determining a date to have the ligament repaired.