Connor was born in New Zealand to father Gavin, who represented South Africa in rugby union and mother Gail, who represented New Zealand in athletics. He moved with his family to Australia when he was four.[3] He played junior football for the Kenmore Australian Football Club.[4] Balleneden joined the Brisbane Lions' academy at the age of 12.[5][6] He also represented the Allies in the AFL Under 18 Championships for the 2016 and 2017 seasons.[7][8] He completed school at St Joseph's College, Gregory Terrace in 2016.[9]
AFL career
Ballenden debuted in the Brisbane Lions' 63 point win over Essendon in the 9th round of the 2020 AFL season.[10][11][12] On debut, Ballenden picked up six disposals, kicked a goal and took three marks.[13] Ballenden was temporarily removed from the senior list in November 2020, with plans to add him back to the rookie list at a later point.[14] Ballenden was delisted at the end of the 2021 AFL season, after playing just 3 career games.[15]
^The 2020 season was played with 17 home-and-away matches per team (down from 22) and 16-minute quarters with time on (down from 20-minute quarters with time on) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
