By Mathew Asciak
The Coburg Football Club is thrilled to announce that midfielder Jacob Ballard has committed and will return to Piranha Park for the 2022 season.
Making his official competitive debut with the Lions in Round 1 against Frankston, Ballard had 26 disposals, six marks and seven tackles in his first game in the red and blue.
Ballard battled with injuries and Covid restrictions, managing seven games and averaged 19 disposals and six tackles a game.
The chance to reap the rewards for the team’s effort drew Ballard to commit for 2022.
“All the hard work we’ve put in over the last two years and building momentum in the right direction without yet fully seeing the fruits of our labour. I expect this season continued momentum,” he said.
Lions members can look forward to seeing Ballard leave nothing in the tank next year.
“Can expect me to give my all for every moment and lead by example to drive the winning culture we are creating,” Ballard said.
Senior coach Andrew Sturgess is eager to see Ballard fit and firing in 2022.
“He had a pretty interrupted season, so we just want to see him fit and healthy,” Sturgess said.
“He is a great professional… who is quite combative, loves the physical side of the game… makes his teammates walk a little taller with the way he goes about it.”
Ballard’s signature takes the number of returning and re-committed Lions to 26 and with 14 list spots available for new signings, stay tuned over the next few weeks as we announce our new and very exciting recruits.