Richmond Football Club has made a controversial decision by selecting Noah Balta to play in his first AFL match of the season this Saturday, April 19, 2025, just three days before he is set to be sentenced for an assault charge. Balta, who pleaded guilty to assault stemming from an incident in December, will take the field against the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium, despite the scrutiny surrounding his return.
Balta's inclusion comes after he served a four-match suspension imposed by the club and returned to action in a VFL practice match last weekend. Coach Adem Yze defended the decision, stating that Balta has been “punished enough” and is ready to contribute on the field. “He’s available to play this weekend,” Yze said during a media briefing. “He’s served his suspension, and he’s been dealing with that for three months. He missed another game of footy, so we’ve suspended him for four, and now he’s had five weeks out.”
The backdrop of Balta’s return is not without controversy. The incident that led to his guilty plea involved a pub brawl in Mulwala, New South Wales, which resulted in significant injuries to the victim, Thomas Washbrook. Prosecutors have indicated that the assault met the threshold of a high-level offense, with Balta facing a maximum penalty of five years in jail. The optics of him returning to play while awaiting sentencing have raised questions about the message it sends to fans and young players.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan expressed her concerns, asking, “What sort of message does this send to kids about what’s right and what’s wrong? I think that’s really a question the AFL and Richmond need to answer.” Former Richmond player Jack Riewoldt also cautioned against Balta’s return, stating, “I don’t think they should play him - I don’t think it is smart.”
Despite the backlash, Yze has emphasized the importance of supporting Balta as he seeks to regain the respect of his teammates and the wider community. “He’s got to do that at some stage,” Yze noted. “We’ve made that decision as a footy club - we’ve already punished him, we don’t want to keep punishing him.”
In addition to Balta’s return, the decision to drop rising star Jacob Blight from the squad has raised eyebrows. Blight, who had been performing well with a career-best 18 touches against St Kilda earlier this season, has been sacrificed to make room for Balta. This move has led some to question Richmond's commitment to developing young talent, especially given the club's recent focus on a youth-first approach.
Matthew Richardson, a Richmond great, has called for more education on the dangers of violence in light of Balta’s situation. He highlighted the need for the AFL and Richmond to come together to address the issue of coward punches and their impact on the community. “Noah has made a horrendous decision. I think this is an opportunity for Richmond and the AFL now to come together and work towards educating young people on the dangers of violence,” Richardson stated.
As the Tigers prepare to face the Suns, the selection of Balta is sure to be a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike. The match will not only be significant for Richmond's season but also for Balta as he attempts to move past the controversy and prove himself on the field.
In the lead-up to the game, Yze has remained steadfast in his support for Balta. “Right now, he served that sentence, and he’s getting ready to play, and now it’s around performance,” he said. The decision to allow Balta to return has undoubtedly put the Richmond coaching staff under pressure, as they navigate the balance between player welfare and public perception.
The selection of Balta has sparked a broader conversation about accountability and the responsibilities of professional athletes. As the AFL community watches closely, the outcome of Balta's sentencing and his performance against the Suns will likely have lasting implications for both his career and the club's reputation.
With the match just days away, Richmond fans are left wondering if Balta can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that not only contributes to his team’s success but also helps him start to rebuild his image in the eyes of the public.
