Charlie Ballard has won this year’s Elastoplast Emerging Player award. 

Often going unheralded, Ballard has been one of the best young defenders at the SUNS in his second year of AFL football. 

The 20-year-old played 21 games this season where he’s averaged 13 disposals and five marks per game. 

WATCH: Charlie Ballard Highlights

He rated above average in multiple categories this year, including rebound 50s (3.3 per game) and intercept possessions (6.5). 

Ballard’s best game came in Round 20 against Collingwood, where he amassed a whopping 15 marks to go with his 22 disposals. 

Due to injuries to key players in 2019, Ballard was often forced to play on opponents much larger and more experienced, but held his own in these contests and outperformed expectations.

With 32 games to his name, Ballard will look to propel himself further next season in his third year of AFL football.