Central Coast Mariners have confirmed treble-winning midfielder Max Balard has departed the Isuzu UTE A-League champions to pursue an overseas opportunity.
In the hours following the confirmation of Balard’s Mariners exit, Dutch club NAC Breda was confirmed as his destination. Breda earned promotion to the Eredivisie last season, meaning the Australian midfielder will play in the top tier of Dutch football next season.
The 23-year-old was contracted for another season on the Coast but the Mariners have agreed to a free transfer to facilitate his move abroad – a decision the club states was “in recognition of his exemplary service and dedication to the Mariners”.
Balard made his Isuzu UTE A-League debut in 2021 and went on to accrue 81 league appearances for the club.
The central midfielder became a mainstay in the Mariners’ starting XI in 2023-24 and was a core figure in the club’s trophy treble of the Isuzu UTE A-League Premiership and Championship, as well as the AFC Cup title.
His final game for the club came in the 2024 Grand Final triumph over Melbourne Victory – a result that confirmed both the player and club’s status as back-to-back Isuzu UTE A-League Champions.
The 2024 Mariners Medalist wished the club well for the future as he bid farewell.
“As my time with the Mariners comes to an end, I just wanted to say a big thank you to the Mariners Family for all of the good times that we have shared,” Balard said.
“From the Academy to the A-League winning the treble, I really appreciate every moment that we had together. I wish everyone at the club all the best for the future.”
The midfielder is the second treble-winner to depart the club in a matter of days; central defender Dan Hall’s exit was confirmed in late June prior to his unveiling at Isuzu UTE A-League expansion club Auckland FC.
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Ronald Barcellos and Jing Reec have also left the club after the end of their respective loan deals, along with former club captain Danny Vukovic who announced his retirement after lifting three trophies in 2023-24.
Mariners head coach Mark Jackson says Balard will always be welcome back at the club but is confident the young midfielder is destined for a great career abroad.
“We would like to thank Max for his dedication during his time at the Mariners, most notably during my time at the club,” Jackson said.
“He was a great player to work with, someone who was really hungry to learn and get better every day.
“It is great to see Max get his opportunity overseas; we knew that was what he wanted, and we wish him well and thank him for his contributions. He was exceptional last season, helping us win the trophies that we did.
“Max will always be welcome back here at the Mariners and is someone who I will be keeping a keen eye on how his career unfolds. He is an exceptional young man both on and off the field and he has a great career ahead of him.”