Gold Coast have suffered a major injury blow out of their massive win over West Coast last weekend, with key defender Charlie Ballard set to miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL.

Ballard was subbed out of the 87-point victory at half-time after landing awkwardly while completing a mark, with Suns coach Damien Hardwick fearing the worst in the immediate aftermath of the game.

Scans on Monday confirmed the 25-year-old would need a knee reconstruction, ending his 2025 campaign virtually before it began.

“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,” Suns football performance manager Wayne Campbell said.

“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 took the sixth-most intercept marks of any AFL player last season, forming a growing combination with Sam Collins to give the Suns a stable foundation with their key defensive posts.

The 195cm backman hasn’t missed a game since 2022, with the Suns now set to scope their options for a replacement during the club’s bye weekend.

In more positive injury news for the Suns, the club is likely to be boosted by the return of two top-six finishers from their best-and-fairest count for their round three MCG clash against Melbourne, with Sam Flanders (back) and Mac Andrew (chest) both in line to play.