Richmond’s Noah Balta to Sit Out Key AFL Matches After Court Decision

Richmond defender Noah Balta will miss several key matches for the club over the next three months due to a court-imposed curfew.

He avoided jail time for an assault case involving a man last December, but on Tuesday he received a community corrections order which includes a 10pm curfew, a $3000 fine, and a requirement to refrain from alcohol, following a criminal conviction.

The Tigers are set to clash with Melbourne this Thursday night in a highly anticipated match as part of the Anzac Day eve celebrations, a fixture that both clubs have emphasised in recent seasons.

Additionally, Richmond’s traditional Dreamtime clash with Essendon also falls within the timeframe of Balta’s curfew.

Due to restrictions on interstate travel, he will also be unavailable for the round 12 match against GWS.

Balta’s lawyer raised concerns with the magistrate about how this judgment might impact his capacity to play, but these arguments were ultimately set aside.

He is also required to pay the victim $45,000 in damages.

He made his return to the field last Saturday during the Tigers’ victory over Gold Coast.

His participation in this match drew significant attention, particularly as he was yet to be sentenced after admitting guilt in the assault case.

As of now, neither Richmond nor the AFL has made any statements regarding Tuesday’s sentencing.