The 19-year-old midfielder was selected at pick 47 in the National Rookie Draft late last month and has started to settle into life as an AFL footballer.
Ballard’s development coach Mark Webb was quick to offer some vital advice.
Also in his first year at the club, Webb told the new recruit succeeding in AFL was all about doing the small things right.
“He said to me you want to give yourself the best chance to thrive in the system,” Ballard said.
“To make sure you take the small things seriously and utilise all the services the club has to offer.
“Things like mental fitness, diet, weights and monitoring.”
Under the watchful eye of sports science manager Jason Weber, the new recruits were introduced to a full training load within days of arriving at the club.
“You want to get out there and train your bum off and do everything you can as soon as you get here,” Ballard said.
“We were in with the main group after a few days and it’s definitely a big step up to what I’m used to.”
Ballard was recruited from the Northern Blues, but only played five games in the VFL after a knee injury disrupted his pre-season.
Support from the senior players on the track has helped the midfielder adjust to the high standards expected at AFL level.
“The main differences have been the ball work and the skills at training, the drills that we do are 10 times bigger than what I’m used to,” he said.
“Everyone’s skills are really good.
“You rarely see people miss a target or miss a mark, it makes everyone lift and it has helped me with my skills.
“The older guys will pull you up if you’re not doing things right, if your struggling they will point you in the right direction.
Teammate Garrick Ibbotson offered Ballard a home since arriving in WA, which has made the transition for the Victorian a little easier.
“I’d never been to Perth before, but it’s been good,” Ballard said.
“Garrick and his girlfriend Sophie have taken me out to a few spots in Perth for dinner.
“I’m not feeling homesick yet, so that’s a good thing.”
Ballard has already made it clear he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, and for him the Perth weather is just a bonus.
“It’s a lot more predictable here, in Melbourne you can get summer and winter in one day.”
“Some of the younger guys have taken me to the beach, so, so far I’m loving it over here.
“The sun’s out and its great to be here.”
