AFL Supports as Richmond bans crucial defender

After an off-season incident that resulted in an assault accusation against him, Richmond suspended Noah Balta. Balta will not play in the 2025 AFL season’s opening four games.

In addition, he will not participate in counseling, finish education programming, or play in either of the preseason games. During this time, Balta will still train at the Club.

“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. 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,”

Richmond CEO Shane Dunne said.

“After thorough consideration – which included discussions with the player leadership group – we arrived at a decision that reflects the seriousness of the incident and at the same time will help Noah address this behaviour.

“The Club will continue to support him 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.”

The AFL on Thursday backed Richmond’s decision to suspend Balta.

“The AFL has been kept informed by Richmond of developments and is supportive of the club’s response and sanction,” the league said in a statement. “The AFL will continue to monitor ongoing matters in court.”

Balta, who inked a lucrative seven-year contract in October, is a crucial component of Richmond’s rebuilding effort under second-year coach Adem Yze. The 104-game defender’s contract with the Tigers is set to expire at the end of 2032.