Noah Balta Biography

Noah Balta receives a night-time curfew from a court that will cause him to miss upcoming night games as a result.

"He's obviously disappointed, he's flat, he's emotional, so we've just got to protect him with that. He'll speak when it's his right time to speak and you will sense how remorseful he is," Tigers coach Adem Yze said of Balta.

Noah Balta apologizes for assaulting a man after receiving a nighttime curfew and alcohol ban as part of his sentencing.

"I apologise to the victim, my family and friends, and everyone associated with the Richmond Football Club," Balta said.

"I will continue to work to improve myself to ensure this never happens again."

Noah Balta is available to play in the AFL this weekend for the Tigers against the Suns despite his pending sentencing in an assault case.

Balta has pleaded guilty to assault and will be sentenced in court on April 22, just three days after his potential AFL return against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

He served a four-match ban over December's incident and returned to play via a VFL practice match.

"He pleaded guilty by the fact that he told us what happened, and that's why we went really hard," Richmond coach Adem Yze said.

"We've got young players at our club right now and on our list that needed to understand that it was wrong, what he did, and that's why we went really hard.

"Right now, he served that sentence, and he's getting ready to play, and now it's around performance."

Noah Balta is suspended for four matches, including two pre-season games, and will undergo counseling after being charged with assault in an off-field incident in Mulwala, on the NSW-Victoria border, on December 30.

"Noah deeply regrets being involved in the incident," Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said.

"While the outcome of the investigation and the charge will be a matter for the police and the courts, both Noah and the club accept that players can't put themselves in these situations."

Noah Balta is charged with assault following an incident on December 30, with the AFL aware of the situation and the Tigers having no comment for now.

Noah Balta signs a seven-year contract extension with Richmond to remain at the club until the end of 2032.

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."