After shoulder surgery in the pre-season, Ballard was one of the few players who benefited from the COVID-19 break. Having returned to fitness in June, the key defender ended up playing the remaining 16 games, again taking significant steps in his development. The 195cm defender is the Suns’ intercept king in the back six, regularly jumping in front of and across the opposition’s best forwards to haul in marks. Has formed a strong partnership with Sam Collins and signed a contract extension until 2025.