What if it happened again?
Thankfully for the enigmatic Freo forward, there was nothing to worry about.
Two years ago, with Freo guaranteed a final the following week, Ballantyne was left devastated when a broken foot in the last game of the season cost him his spot in Freo’s two finals against Hawthorn and Geelong.
“I had played just about every game,” he said.
“It was definitely a kick in the guts not being able to play, but I get my chance this year.”
Ballantyne said the thought of being injured again in the final round was only that -a thought.
“My body was feeling alright and I had prepared well,” he said.
“I went into the game really confident that I was going to get through.”
Now he can’t wait to strut his stuff on the big stage - a final at the MCG.
“It’s the first final I’ve ever played in AFL so it’s a big buzz,” he said.
“I’m feeling really confident and I just can’t wait to get over there and get started.”
The 25-year-old always looks like he gives everything he’s got when he’s out on a footy field.
But don’t think what you’ve seen is all you’ll get.
“I think there is always a bit of room to improve,” Ballantyne said.
“I always try and give the best I can every week, I always try and give that little bit more.
“You’ve got to be careful sometimes not to overdo it, but I will be out there busting my guts again, and hopefully we get a win.
“We’re very confident in the way we are playing that we are going to give it a really good crack this week.”
