Richmond has been asked Noah Balta to ‘really dig in’ after his assault charge last month

Noah Balta has been asked to earn back trust after his assault charge as a concussion blow sent a star forward to the sidelines.

Richmond’s Noah Balta is doing extra sessions and putting in the work this pre-season to win back the trust of his teammates after his assault charge. Picture: David Crosling

Richmond coaching staff and players have asked Noah Balta to “really dig in” in his delayed start to the 2025 season after the star defender was charged with assault.

The request comes as star forward Tom Lynch is also set to spend some time on the sidelines after being concussion during match simulation on Friday.

Balta copped a four-game ban from hism club and also has to attend counselling following the assault in Mulwala on December 30.

On Thursday, Balta lodged a guilty plea at Corowa Local Court with a sentencing hearing set for March 27.

He has been cleared to return to training but did not participate in match simulation.

Richmond assistant coach Steve Morris says Balta is “tracking all right” as he wins back the faith of his teammates.

“We’ve asked him to really dig in into his training over the last little bit (of pre-season),” Morris said.

Richmond’s Noah Balta is doing extra sessions and putting in the work this pre-season to win back the trust of his teammate. Picture: David Crosling

“What I’ve seen is a guy who is really committed to earning the trust of his teammates and he’s put everything out on the table over the last few weeks, doing extra sessions.

“He knows he’s got to get himself red-hot fit, he’s a really important player to our team and our club.

“I think he’s doing a really good job under the circumstances he’s facing.”

Jacob Koschitzke looms as Balta’s replacement in defence in the early rounds of the year, with Morris saying he was “absolutely” in the frame for round 1 selection.

Richmond confirmed Lynch entered the concussion protocols after his head collided with a teammate’s knee in a marking contest.

The Tigers believe the concussion will only sideline Lynch for the customary 12-day period.

Star forward Tom Lynch has stumbled off the track during match sim on Friday – and he wasn’t happy.

✍️ @mattforrest29

DETAILS | https://t.co/6MUF8QCv6gpic.twitter.com/4V6TfCvAAa

— CODE AFL (@codeaflau) January 31, 2025

The two-time premiership forward has had a difficult run over the past two seasons, playing just four matches in each of 2023 and 2024.

Morris hopes it is only a “speed bump” for Lynch, who is piecing together an otherwise promising pre-season.

“Yeah Lynchy can’t take a trick, he entered concussion protocols,” he said.

“He’s had an outstanding probably eight weeks of training, he’s firing on all cylinders, I’ve found myself on the bump bag unfortunately a few times.

“He’s training with a real purpose so it’s a bit of a speed bump for him, he’s in really good nick and I hope to see him back in the near future.”

Jacob Blight was another casualty at Richmond training, leaving the field clutching his right shoulder.

He did spend some time on the bench before disappearing into the changerooms.

Originally published as Richmond has been asked Noah Balta to ‘really dig in’ after his assault charge last month