Richmond Tigers player Noah Balta arrested for alleged assault

Richmond Tigers Premiership player Noah Balta has been charged with assault following an alleged late-night altercation at a sports club in Mulwala, New South Wales, near the Victoria border.

The incident, which occurred around 12:30 am on Monday, December 30, 2024, resulted in a 27-year-old man being hospitalised with a laceration to his head.

New South Wales Police confirmed Balta, 25, was arrested at Mulwala Police Station on Tuesday and charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The victim was treated by paramedics and transported to Yarrawonga Hospital in stable condition.

Balta was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Corowa Local Court on January 30, 2025.

Richmond released a statement acknowledging the incident, stating, “The Richmond Football Club can confirm that AFL player Noah Balta has been charged with assault after an incident on the 30th of December, 2024. As the matter is now before the courts, the club can make no further comment. The club has made the AFL aware of the incident.”

The AFL and its integrity unit are monitoring the situation but are leaving the matter in the hands of the police for the time being. The incident comes just months after Balta signed a seven-year contract extension with Richmond, securing his position at the club until 2032.

Known for his versatility and athleticism, Balta has played 104 games for the Tigers, including a premiership win in 2020. He was expected to play a key role in Richmond’s ongoing rebuild under coach Adem Yze.

Richmond list manager Blair Hartley previously described Balta as a critical player for the club’s future, citing his leadership potential and ability to perform in multiple positions.

“Noah is an important player to us with his versatility and ability to give us a powerful aerial option in all areas of the ground,” Hartley said at the time of the contract extension.

As the case progresses, Balta’s future involvement with the team during preseason training and the upcoming AFL season remains unclear, with the legal process likely to cast a shadow over Richmond’s preparations for 2025 as they are currently $101 odds with the top AFL bookmakers to claim the 2025 Premiership.

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