Central Coast Mariners defender Dan Hall and midfielder Max Balard have both signed a one-year extension which will maintain their status as Central Coast Mariners players until 2024.
Both players have had a major impact during the 2021/22 campaign for the Mariners, cementing their spots in the starting eleven after graduating from the Academy the year prior.
Dan Hall joined the Mariners from Queensland and played a pivotal role in the NYL side that completed the Premiership Double. He was rewarded with his debut in 2021 away at Sydney FC and then closed out the season deputising for Ruon Tongyik who was on international duty. Since then, Hall has shown his quality on and off the ball, amassing 23 appearances in the A-League last season and scoring a crucial stoppage time equaliser away at CommBank Stadium against the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Hall is keen to work hard to develop his game further here on the Coast and become an even better player.
“I am loving playing my football here on the Coast and I am happy to extend that stay until 2024.
“For me, the structure that the club have for producing young players is second to none and if I want to improve my game, there is no better place to be” Hall said.
“I am not leaving the Coast any-time soon and I can’t wait to play my part in the upcoming season under Monty [Nick Montgomery] and Serg [Sergio Raimundo].”
Max Balard also made his A-League debut during the 2020/21 season, away at Macarthur FC and this season under Nick Montgomery added a new dimension to his game where he was rewarded with 21 appearances. Balard scored his first senior goal in the FFA Cup Quarter Final against APIA Leichhardt when he curled the ball into the corner and started the scoring spree.
Balard who has played his junior football across the world, feels at home on the Central Coast.
“Last season, I had a bit of inconsistency at the start but by the end of the season, I felt like I really began to live up to the potential that I always knew I possessed, and I want to thank Monty & Serg for giving me that opportunity.
“Towards the end of the season, I was able to get some consistent matches under my belt, which I want to continue and also help bring as much success to the club as I possibly can” Balard added.
“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in my career up to this point as without their help, I would not be where I am today.”
Mariners Head Coach Nick Montgomery spoke about the impact that both have had this season.
“Both Dan and Max have gone to another level this season and I am excited to see them develop further over the next two years.
“I know that they both can unlock new parts of their game and with more time here on the Coast, I’m sure they will be able to do that” Montgomery concluded.
Both players are enjoying some time off and will re-join with the squad ahead of the Australia Cup Round of 32.
Thanks to Dan and Max re-signing, you too can commit to another season with the Mariners!
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