‘So much collateral damage’: Why longer Balta ban ‘might be unfair’

Noah Balta’s return to the AFL has been labelled a “lightning rod for social criticism”, as he awaits sentencing on an assault charge.

Noah Balta’s availability for selection this Saturday night against Gold Coast has been labelled a “lightning rod for social criticism”, as he awaits sentencing on an assault charge.

The 25-year-old has pled guilty to the charge relating to an incident in January of this year, but has since served his six-match club suspension for the indiscretion, with two of those games served across pre-season.

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Tigers head coach Adem Yze, alongside senior club officials, have subsequently deemed him available for selection this weekend, noting that the club has “punished him enough” on Wednesday morning.

Speaking on the precarious situation on Wednesday night to AFL 360, show host Gerard Whateley appreciated the complex nature of the situation, but noted just how much it opens up Richmond to disapproval.

“It makes the footy environment a lightning rod for social criticism,” Whateley said.

Balta (left) is set to front court on April 22. Picture: David Crosling

“It is complicated; the issue of double jeopardy there is (that) the footy penalty was laid down before there was a legal timeline. The legal timeline is so close to its fruition (that) I do feel like there is maximum damage being absorbed here for minimum reward.

“If you just sit tight until next week, then it’s entirely run its course. It might be unfair from a football sense that he misses one more game, but I just think they have absorbed so much collateral damage here Richmond and it has been unnecessary.”

Sitting at 1-4 and four losses on the trot, just how much Balta’s potential inclusion would mean for the side both short-term and long-term has been brought into question.

Given their club’s ultra-young list, the clash with the Suns under the roof at Marvel Stadium could also serve as another opportunity to blood young talent before an imminent Balta return post-sentencing.

Balta’s return has come under fire. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“It’s good in the sense that the gravity of the situation isn’t lost on everyone, and the footy community is debating it as hard as the general community,” Melbourne great Garry Lyon added.

“How long is enough? Six to 14 weeks won’t be enough for those of the opinion that what Noah did on that occasion was so grievous that he shouldn’t be given the opportunity.

“There’s no easy way out of it, but the April 22 hearing would’ve been a really good starting place I think.

“I am big on the redemption piece, and he’s got to be given the opportunity to show remorse and come back (to) maybe do some good in the community and be an advocate (against) violence.”

Balta returned in the VFL last week. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Balta appeared for Richmond’s VFL side last weekend against the AFL Academy’s Under 18 side in an effort to build match fitness.

The club’s reserves side takes on Frankston on Good Friday at Kinetic Stadium, 24 hours before the AFL side’s Round 6 clash.

“At the moment, you’d think they’re picking him — otherwise, why would you open yourself up to that level of criticism?” Lyon ended by saying.

“If in their mind, if they think that five weeks have been served, then they could also be seen to back in their player — rightly or wrongly.”

The Tigers haven’t won at Marvel Stadium since May 2021, having lost 10 and drawn one of their last 11 games at the venue. Their opponents Gold Coast have also lost five of their last seven games under the roof.

Originally published as ‘So much collateral damage’: Why longer Balta ban ‘might be unfair’