Noah Balta ‘very unlikely’ to take the field despite the lifting of AFL suspension ahead of sentencing

According to Nine’s chief AFL reporter Tom Morris, it’s “highly unlikely” that Noah Balta will suit up for Richmond during Gather Round this week, even with his official AFL ban being lifted.

The defender admitted to assaulting a man in December, with his sentencing scheduled for April 22.

Balta could face imprisonment due to the incident, which was captured on CCTV and made public in March.

Although he is technically eligible to play in the next fortnight before the sentencing occurs, coach Adem Yze indicated earlier this week that they plan for him to appear on the field.

“The AFL was involved in the process when we handed down his sanction; a six-week absence is quite lengthy for a player,” Yze mentioned midweek.

“In addition to the six-week suspension, he’s been managing this situation for three months now. He’s been doing extra training, community service, and contributing around the footy club.

“He’s working to regain the trust and respect of his teammates and the club; he’s frustrated not being able to play. The media spotlight on this issue is new – it happened back in January. He’s been handling it for quite some time, so our stance remains unchanged.

“We’ve collaborated with the AFL and are clear on that. It’ll be great when he is finally available again.”

However, Morris remains sceptical about Balta being selected for the Tigers’ encounter with Fremantle this Sunday.

“From what I understand, it seems highly improbable that he will play for Richmond next week. There’s no VFL match, and he is clearly facing sentencing on April 22,” Morris shared on Nine’s Footy Furnace.

Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel voiced that the Tigers should publicly state he won’t play until the legal matters are resolved.

“If I were in Richmond’s position, I would eliminate any speculation right from the start. Given that he’s pleaded guilty, it would be wise to remove any media narratives. Just express that he has our complete support, and once the situation is settled, we’ll discuss when he’ll return to play,” Bartel suggested.

Former Essendon coach James Hird commented that if he were in Balta’s position, he wouldn’t want to play until everything is resolved.

“If I were Balta, I would step back and say ‘I wouldn’t want to take the field until this is concluded,'” Hird remarked.

The victim sustained a significant forehead laceration in December, leading to Balta being charged by NSW Police the following day.