IT’S A TALL ORDER BUT BALLARD LOOKS UP TO IT
THE rise of Suns defender Charlie Ballard shapes as the key to Gold Coast quelling Fremantle’s forward line triple threat and securing their first win of the season.
The Dockers’ tall timber group of Rory Lobb (207cm), Matt Taberner (199cm) and Cameron McCarthy (192cm) kicked eight goals between them in the club’s mammoth 82-point win over North Melbourne in Round 1.
Jesse Hogan (195cm) has been brought into their squad for the Round 2 game at Metricon Stadium and could replace Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring).
Fremantle’s abundance of tall options in front of goal poses a real threat but Gold Coast are quietly confident their ability to match up.
Sam Collins (194cm), who has been given the green light to play after passing concussion protocols, and Jack Hombsch (192cm) filled the two key defensive positions against the Saints and their third tall Ballard (197cm) stands above both.
Ballard was among the Suns’ most influential players in the first game, with the mobile defender recording 24 disposals and a game-high six rebounding 50s.
The 19-year-old, who grew up playing in the midfield and has impressive foot speed and intercept marking ability, said his 11 games in his debut season last year had him going into 2019 full of confidence.
“I took a lot of confidence from knowing I wasn’t just in the side last year because of injuries,” Ballard said. “I was picked for a reason.”
Will Brodie, Nick Holman and Jacob Heron have been brought into an extended Suns squad that will be finalised today.
The trio will replace Ben Ainsworth (knee) and emergencies Michael Rischitelli and Sam Day.