Noah Balta, a defender for the Richmond Tigers, has been handed a four-match suspension by the AFL after being charged with assault related to an incident that occurred in Mulwala on December 30. This suspension means that Balta will not only miss the upcoming regular-season matches but also two pre-season games. As part of his sanction, he is expected to engage in educational programs and undergo counseling, although he will have the opportunity to continue training with his teammates throughout this period.

The charge arose from a situation where a 27-year-old man suffered a head injury and was transported to a local hospital. Balta, who is the club's 2020 premiership defender, is due to attend Corowa Local Court on January 30. In a statement from Richmond CEO Shane Dunne, it was communicated that Balta expresses deep regret over his involvement in the incident and has cooperated with the police. Both the club and Balta recognize that players must avoid situations that could lead to legal trouble.

The decision to suspend Balta was made after consulting with Richmond's senior player leadership group, ensuring that the seriousness of the incident was reflected in the outcome. Dunne emphasized that the club is committed to supporting Balta through this challenging time, with the hope that he can improve both on and off the field moving forward. The AFL expressed its support for Richmond’s decision, noting that it will keep an eye on the ongoing legal matters. Balta plays a significant role in Richmond's rebuilding efforts, having recently signed a seven-year contract that secures his position with the club until 2032.