Noah Balta Biography

Noah Balta signs a new two-year deal with Richmond to remain at the club until the end of 2023.

"My time here has been unbelievable; I love every single one of the boys that are here and could not picture myself being anywhere else," he said.

Richmond defender Noah Balta has been a revelation in 2020 and credits Tigers champion Alex Rance for fast-tracking his development.

"Rancey was unbelievable. He was a teacher and another coach out there when it comes to aerial power. He'd always sit next to me and watch games and review them and I'm forever grateful for him helping me," he said.

Balta reveals that he spent much of his time during the COVID-19 shutdown working as a labourer on construction sites.

"It was quite tough but it made me think 'When I get back to footy I really want to be there' and it was a bit of an eye-opener which was really good," he said.

"I've always been into construction and things like that. I wouldn't mind going back in the off-season but I know people have that as their main jobs so I feel kind of bad. It's good fun."

Noah Balta has a breakout performance in Richmond's 36-point win over Hawthorn with 14 disposals and 6 marks, including 3 contested marks.

One of the most athletically gifted players in the competition, Balta – who stands at 194cm and 100kg – is one of the League's most imposing figures. He's also one of its quickest.

"I sit there and I watch him and I get excited on the bench, watching what he can do. He's got a long way to go, but what I love is his ability in the contest to impact," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said of Balta.

"God, he's quick. The way he plays the game … the recruiters made a brave call at the draft table two years ago and plucked his name out because they liked what he could offer.

"He's still a long way off being at his absolute best, we understand that, but we're certainly excited about the way he's playing at the moment."

Noah Balta makes his AFL debut for Richmond at the MCG with 5 disposals (5 kicks), 2 marks, a tackle, 6 hitouts and a goal in a 33-point win over Carlton.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is full of praise for teenager Noah Balta.

"He's got traits that are incredible to watch and even at training, we watch him and go, 'Wow'," Hardwick said.

"What he is, is he's very raw. Once we refine him into the player we think he can be, we think he's going to be a very good long-term player."