Richmond Tigers star defender Noah Balta will miss the first four matches of the 2025 AFL season after the club handed down a suspension for his alleged involvement in an assault in December. The 25-year-old, who recently re-signed with Richmond until 2032, has also been charged by NSW Police over the incident.
Balta will sit out Richmond’s two pre-season games in addition to the four home-and-away matches. He will be required to complete an education program and undergo counselling as part of the club-imposed sanction, which has been endorsed by the AFL.
Incident Occurred in NSW Border Town
The alleged assault took place in Mulwala, on the NSW-Victoria border, on December 30. Police charged Balta after a 27-year-old man was taken to hospital with a laceration to his head. He is due to appear in court on January 30.
Noah deeply regrets being involved in the incident. He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible.
Richmond CEO Shane Dunne
While noting that the legal process is yet to play out, the Richmond Football Club felt it was important to hold Balta accountable for placing himself in a precarious off-field situation. CEO Shane Dunne said the decision on the ban was reached after consulting with the club’s player leadership group.
Club Aims to Help Balta Address Behavior
In addition to missing a quarter of the home-and-away season, Balta will have to complete education and counselling programs aimed at addressing his behavior. Despite the serious nature of the incident, Richmond is committed to supporting the young defender.
The club will continue to support Noah through this period and our collective hope, and expectation, is that we will see the best of Noah on and off the field from this point on.
Richmond CEO Shane Dunne
Balta Recently Signed Long-Term Deal
The 104-game backman is seen as a key pillar in Richmond’s efforts to rebound up the ladder under second-year coach Adem Yze. In October, Balta inked a blockbuster seven-year contract extension to remain at Punt Road until at least the end of 2032.
After debuting in 2018, Balta has established himself as one of the most athletic and exciting young defenders in the AFL. He played a major role in Richmond’s 2020 premiership triumph and has been nominated for the league’s Rising Star award.
AFL Supports Richmond’s Stance
The AFL released a statement backing the Tigers’ handling of the Balta situation, including the four-match ban and education requirements. The league said it would continue to monitor the case as it progresses through the court system.
The AFL has been kept informed by Richmond of developments and is supportive of the club’s response and sanction.
AFL Statement
With Noah Balta unavailable until Round 5, Richmond will need to rely on its defensive depth to fill the void left by its star backman. The Tigers open their 2025 campaign with a blockbuster Thursday night clash against reigning premier Melbourne at the MCG on March 28.
