Budarick was born in South Australia and spent the early years of his life in the small crayfishing town of Robe[1] before relocating to Queensland's Gold Coast at the age of 9.[2] His father, Craig, was a professional Australian rules footballer who initially played for Glenelg in the SANFL where he kicked 150 goals in 66 games[3] and was drafted to the Sydney Swans with pick 110 in the 1989 national draft.[4] Connor played his junior football for the Labrador Tigers and joined the Gold Coast Suns Academy at 12 years of age.[5] He made his NEAFL debut for Southport at 16 years of age and became a regular selection for the Gold Coast Suns reserves team in 2018.[6] Budarick attended Helensvale State High School throughout his teenage years and was given a scholarship to enter the school's AFL Sport of Excellence programme.[7]
Leading into his 2019 junior season, Budarick was named captain of the Suns academy team[8] and was awarded the Hunter Harrison Medal for the top performing academy player in the NAB League.[9] He was then selected to represent the Allies at the 2019 AFL Under 18 Championships where his performances earned him All-Australian selection.[10] Budarick was drafted to the Gold Coast Suns as an academy pre-listed player in October 2019.[11] Budarick has stated he grew up supporting the Suns in his younger years.[12]
AFL career
Budarick made his AFL debut at 18 years of age against Port Adelaide in Round 1 of the 2020 AFL season.[13] He was awarded the round 3 AFL Rising Star nomination for his brilliant defensive performance against the Adelaide Crows, which included 16 disposals, six marks and his first AFL goal.[14]
Statistics
Statistics are correct to the end of round 16 2022[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.