Ballard chosen to lead Bulls

Former Peel Thunder and State country player Ryan Ballard has been chosen as the next man to lead the Mt Barker Bulls forward in the Great Southern Football League.

Ballard was named as Phil Gilbert’s replacement last weekend, beating two other applicants for the top job.

Gilbert stepped down as league coach of the Bulls earlier this month after successfully applying to be the Great Southern Clontarf Academy director.

Mt Barker moved quickly to find a replacement before the end of the year and were successful in appointing Ballard following an interview on December 20.

After playing 25 league games for the Bulls in the past three seasons and coaching Wickepin in the Upper Great Southern Football League in 2010, Ballard said he was excited about the opportunity to coach the Bulls.

“I have been thinking about that (coaching) since I moved down here,” he said.

“I had a year with Wickepin.

“We had such a good year last year and I am excited about this season.

“Hopefully we can take the next step, go one better or even go further in the finals.”

The Bulls made the finals for the first time in four seasons earlier this year but were bundled out by Royals in the first semifinal.

Ballard played 15 league games last season, booting 37 goals as a sharp shooter in the Bulls forward line.

In 2000, Ballard finished runner-up in Peel Thunder’s reserves fairest and best count and the skilful utility also represented Country WA in 2001 and 2002.

Originally from Tincurrin, 30km east of Wickepin, Ballard was eager to start work with the Bulls and said pre-season training would commence around mid-January.

Mt Barker Football Club president Brad Hook said Ballard was the right man to take the Bulls forward.

“Ryan had a little bit of experience before and we felt that he is already in the system having been an assistant to Phil this year and knows our game plan,” he said.

“We thought he was the best man to take us forward.

“He was the leading candidate … the direction we want to head as a club, he was the man for the job.

“We are really looking forward to working with Ryan and we look forward to future success at the club.”