Richmond’s Noah Balta to Miss Gather Round as Sentencing for Assault Charges Approaches

Noah Balta will not take the field this weekend as he awaits sentencing on assault charges.

The 25-year-old has yet to play this season for Richmond and is set to appear in court next week after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

Balta could potentially face a custodial sentence for his actions.

Though there were initial hopes he may play against Fremantle at Gather Round, the club has chosen to prioritise caution as noted by Tom Morris from 9News Melbourne.

“Noah Balta will not be participating in AFL this weekend while he awaits the judgement on his assault charges,” he stated on Thursday afternoon.

“Richmond convened this afternoon and determined that due to Balta’s conditioning and his absence from play this season, he will not face Fremantle.

“The original plan was for him to feature in the VFL this weekend, but with no VFL matches scheduled, the Tigers have opted to exclude him.”

“It remains to be seen whether he will take to the field next week or participate in the Anzac Day eve match, which falls just two days post-sentencing.”

Having made over 100 appearances in the iconic yellow and black guernsey since debuting for the Tigers in 2018, Balta stands as one of the club’s key figures.

In other Richmond news, young forward Jonty Faull is set to make his debut against the Dockers following his selection with the No.14 pick in last year’s draft.