Richmond draftee Noah Balta relishing chance to learn from Tigers’ premiership heroes

NOAH Balta knew some of the questions that were coming after his first few weeks at Richmond. But of course, everyone wanted to know about his new teammate Dustin Martin.

Noah Balta (left) poses with Richmond’s other AFL draftees. Picture: David Crosling.

NOAH Balta knew some of the questions were coming.

There was the obvious — how has your first pre-season been? Or what’s life as an AFL footballer like?

But the most common question from friends and family since he was drafted to Richmond has been about Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin.

“The question I probably get asked most … are you training with Dustin Martin?” Balta said.

The Essendon Doutta Stars junior landed at Punt Road Oval with the Tigers’ third selection in last year’s AFL national draft, No. 25, joining a club still on a high after its drought-breaking premiership triumph.

The Calder Cannons graduate has spent his first pre-season learning from the likes of All-Australian defender Alex Rance, whose career he hopes to emulate.

“He’s a lot bigger than me, but that’s my potential,” Balta said.

“I am trying to take attributes of his game and take it into mine. I have been watching him at training and he’s always giving me feedback.”

Noah Balta shows off his new colours at Punt Road. Picture: David Crosling.

The 18-year-old said he has relished learning from experienced players such as skipper Trent Cotchin and forward Jack Riewoldt, who continue to strive for high standards after last year’s success.

“You pick up little stuff off them and they let you know little skill stuff that I’d be doing wrong,” he said.

“They won’t just let it float by because they are really committed to making the person next to them a better player.”

Balta, who has been given the No. 38 jumper by the Tigers, spent time in attack, defence and as a ruckman in the TAC Cup.

At 195cm, he was tipped to become a key defender when he reached the elite level, but has been training with Richmond’s forwards group.

Balta said he had experienced a “big jump” from TAC Cup to AFL and was determined to make the most of his opportunity.

“It was just always a dream,” he said.

“Now that it’s come true, I have got to try and push for the next game.

“My goal was to get drafted, now it’s on my next game.

“If I can get a game, it’d be to make a career from it. It’s always something to push forward to.”