Charlie participated in the Auskick program at Mitcham, South Australia.
[1] Ballard played in their under-18 premiership for the Sturt Football Club in the SANFL as well as for Sacred Heart College.
[2] Standing 180cm at the time, Ballard averaged 18 disposals on the wing in the 2017 AFL Under 18 Championships, playing for South Australia.
[4] He made his AFL debut in round 7 of the 2018 season, in the nine-point loss against the Western Bulldogs at Mars Stadium.
[5] Ballard's first game was praised by coach Stuart Dew, along with fellow debutant Brayden Crossley.