RICHMOND will wait to see how Noah Balta recovers from his return to action before deciding whether the premiership defender is recalled for the clash with Gold Coast in round six.
Balta, who will be sentenced in court for assault on April 22, has served a four-match AFL ban and got through his comeback appearance in a VFL practice match on Sunday.
“We needed him to get a game under his belt and then it’s depending on how he plays and how he pulls up,” Yze said
“We’ll assess how he played, how he pulls up and whether he warrants selection on the way that he played.
“We’ll have those discussions later in the week.”
Noah Balta in action during Richmond VFL’s clash against the Marsh National Academy on April 13, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos
Balta, 25, pleaded guilty in the Corowa Local Court to assault occasioning actual bodily harm which in NSW carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail.
Prosecutors said the actions of the 2020 premiership player, which hospitalised the victim Thomas Washbrook with head injuries, met the threshold of a high-level offence.
“He’s been through a lot so we’re keen to get him in because he wants to earn the respect back of his teammates and club and our supporters,” Yze said.
“To do that, he wants to get out on the field. He’s doing that today, it’s the first step of that.
“He’ll help a lot of our young boys (in the VFL) … and he’s been terrific over the last month with some of our younger defenders.
“As I said, if he plays well enough he’ll warrant selection and we’ll have those discussions next week.”
Balta would add much-needed experience to a Tigers side that has lost four straight games since a surprise win over Carlton.
Yze dismissed concerns over fellow premiership player Tom Lynch, who was subbed out of the loss to Fremantle at three-quarter time.
Yze also said Nick Vlastuin passed his concussion tests after a clumsy high tackle from Fremantle’s Patrick Voss, which will likely come under scrutiny from the Match Review Officer.
