‘He's a leader': Tiger straight back in after curfew
Richmond coach Adem Yze hailed the leadership value Noah Balta can deliver for the Tigers as he confirmed a return for the star defender who missed last week due to a court-imposed curfew.
Balta will be forced to watch Richmond's night and interstate games until the end of July as part of his sentence for assaulting a man in regional NSW on December 30 last year.
He missed last Thursday's Anzac Day eve loss to Melbourne and didn't play in the VFL, rested due to the toll the week's events had taken.
But the 25-year-old premiership defender will walk straight back into the side for Sunday's clash with Hawthorn in a 'good spot' and Yze said Balta brought value beyond his mere playing ability for a young Tigers outfit.
'The way he played last time, he'll be in our team,' Yze said on Thursday.
'He had a great session over the weekend … we got some volume into him and he's had a great week on the track. Noah Balta was sentenced in Albury Court. David Geraghty/ NewsWire Credit: News Corp Australia
'He's such a good teammate, the players love having him around, part of the group, and he's a leader out there.
'He's had a nice week and he's ready to go.'
Having played last Thursday off a short break, Yze said the players were given a 'freshen up' over the weekend and were now 'running on top of the ground' ahead of the clash with the Hawks who have more to play for on Sunday.
Hawthorn will mark their 100th anniversary just over a century to the day since the club's first VFL encounter against Richmond on May 2, 1925.
But while the Hawks could rise, Yze suggested there could be 'payback' after they lost last year's clash, which was superstar Dustin Martin's 300th game.
'It's a bit ironic,' Yze said.
'In Dusty's 300th we played against the Hawks and they spoiled the party that day, so it might be a bit of payback (this week).'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- News.com.au
AFLW introduces future pick trading, pre-season draft, as part of 2025 rule changes
AFLW clubs will soon be able to trade future picks as part of the evolution of player movement ticked off by the AFL Commission on Wednesday. Following consultation with clubs, a pre-season draft will also be introduced, along with a handful of rule changes and interpretations. Previously, AFLW clubs have been handicapped by the ability to only trade picks in the upcoming draft. Just last year, Paige Scott was forced to delist themselves and nominate for the draft when the forward's trade from Essendon to Richmond fell through. Now, with the introduction of future pick trading, clubs will have the flexibility to trade their future first round selection or their future second round selection, but not both. Clubs must also ensure they maintain a presence in the first round for at least two years across a five-year period, unless otherwise approved, to aid list regeneration. Board approval will also be required in the exchange of first round picks. A pre-season draft will also replace the supplementary selection period next year, giving clubs the chance to cover list gaps from the off-season. 'Following the transition to a National Draft last season, these changes are further recognition of the greater sophistication that is being established in the AFLW competition and specifically within player movement,' AFL Executive General Manager of Football Operations Laura Kane said. 'Introducing future pick trading means creating more trade collateral and levers for clubs to pull, giving them greater ability to make list management decisions and in turn, more opportunity for player movement.' The AFL Commission has also approved one rule change aimed at reducing congestion. Where a stoppage occurs within 10m of the boundary between the 50m arcs, the ball up will occur 10m inside the boundary. 'Data shows us that secondary stoppage rates are higher when the ball up is close to the boundary and scoring rates are lower, so the introduction of the on-field rule change is aimed at opening up space around stoppages close to the boundary line where the stoppage is denser,' Kane said. In further changes aimed at reducing density, three further umpiring interpretations will be introduced in 2025: • Ruck Nomination: Once a ruck nomination has been received from each team, the umpire will restart play, regardless of whether the nominated players are in the area to contest the ball up or throw in. • No Genuine Attempt: Umpires will be stricter on players who do not make a genuine attempt to dispose of the ball when tackled legally with no prior opportunity. • Dive/Drag: Umpires will be stricter on players who dive on or drag the ball in and do not immediately knock the ball clear when tackled legally.
The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
How Galvin won Bulldogs players over in private meeting
Stephen Crichton has lifted the lid on the Lachlan Galvin meeting that won over Canterbury players, with the teen questioned about his motivations for joining the Bulldogs. Galvin appeared to be largely embraced by Canterbury players during his first game there on Monday, mobbed by teammates after scoring a try in his 23-minute stint. There had been speculation in the lead up questioning the impact Galvin's arrival would have at Belmore, with Canterbury top of the NRL ladder since March. Galvin's ugly Wests Tigers exit dominated headlines for two months, while Crichton and other ex-Panthers remain close with Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai. Crichton said he did not like the fallout from the issue, including suggestions the playmaker would not be well received at the Bulldogs. "I don't really like it either, but I feel like you don't know someone unless you actually meet them," the Canterbury captain said from NSW State of Origin camp. "You can have an opinion about someone, but unless you go up there and speak to them you never know how that person is. "That's probably what I got from Lachy, because I never really met him until he got to the club. "When he did get there the biggest thing was he was happy. "He loves his footy, comes from a loving family, and the connection between the boys and him is probably the most vital thing." Crichton said teammates had sounded out Galvin in a team meeting over why he had opted to move to Canterbury, after gaining a release from the Tigers. Galvin will stand to earn more money over the next 18 months after exiting Concord, but knocked back bigger long-term contracts when signing with the Bulldogs. "That kind of question popped up ... 'what's your motivation? What drives you?'" Crichton said. "We just wanted to learn what was the honest truth with everything. "It wasn't about money and things like that, it's just coming to learn, for one. "And two, him being a better person and to be a better footy player as well. I feel like he's landed at the best club for that." Crichton said he believed halfback would be Galvin's long-term position, having already been impressed by the 19-year-old's ball work and commitment. The Bulldogs played Galvin in the halves when he entered the field against Parramatta on Monday, with off-contract No.7 Toby Sexton moved to hooker. Starting hooker Reed Mahoney appeared to cut a dejected figure in Canterbury's sheds following the game, having been granted permission to look elsewhere. But Crichton said the Bulldogs' culture meant players embraced the idea of a team-first mindset at the club and Galvin squeezing someone out would not be an issue. "It's the kind of culture that we're building right now," Crichton said. "Regardless of where you sit in the team it's always what the club needs and the team goes first. "Once you put that at the forefront of your mind, regardless of who's in the team, you want the club going in the right direction." Stephen Crichton has lifted the lid on the Lachlan Galvin meeting that won over Canterbury players, with the teen questioned about his motivations for joining the Bulldogs. Galvin appeared to be largely embraced by Canterbury players during his first game there on Monday, mobbed by teammates after scoring a try in his 23-minute stint. There had been speculation in the lead up questioning the impact Galvin's arrival would have at Belmore, with Canterbury top of the NRL ladder since March. Galvin's ugly Wests Tigers exit dominated headlines for two months, while Crichton and other ex-Panthers remain close with Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai. Crichton said he did not like the fallout from the issue, including suggestions the playmaker would not be well received at the Bulldogs. "I don't really like it either, but I feel like you don't know someone unless you actually meet them," the Canterbury captain said from NSW State of Origin camp. "You can have an opinion about someone, but unless you go up there and speak to them you never know how that person is. "That's probably what I got from Lachy, because I never really met him until he got to the club. "When he did get there the biggest thing was he was happy. "He loves his footy, comes from a loving family, and the connection between the boys and him is probably the most vital thing." Crichton said teammates had sounded out Galvin in a team meeting over why he had opted to move to Canterbury, after gaining a release from the Tigers. Galvin will stand to earn more money over the next 18 months after exiting Concord, but knocked back bigger long-term contracts when signing with the Bulldogs. "That kind of question popped up ... 'what's your motivation? What drives you?'" Crichton said. "We just wanted to learn what was the honest truth with everything. "It wasn't about money and things like that, it's just coming to learn, for one. "And two, him being a better person and to be a better footy player as well. I feel like he's landed at the best club for that." Crichton said he believed halfback would be Galvin's long-term position, having already been impressed by the 19-year-old's ball work and commitment. The Bulldogs played Galvin in the halves when he entered the field against Parramatta on Monday, with off-contract No.7 Toby Sexton moved to hooker. Starting hooker Reed Mahoney appeared to cut a dejected figure in Canterbury's sheds following the game, having been granted permission to look elsewhere. But Crichton said the Bulldogs' culture meant players embraced the idea of a team-first mindset at the club and Galvin squeezing someone out would not be an issue. "It's the kind of culture that we're building right now," Crichton said. "Regardless of where you sit in the team it's always what the club needs and the team goes first. "Once you put that at the forefront of your mind, regardless of who's in the team, you want the club going in the right direction." Stephen Crichton has lifted the lid on the Lachlan Galvin meeting that won over Canterbury players, with the teen questioned about his motivations for joining the Bulldogs. Galvin appeared to be largely embraced by Canterbury players during his first game there on Monday, mobbed by teammates after scoring a try in his 23-minute stint. There had been speculation in the lead up questioning the impact Galvin's arrival would have at Belmore, with Canterbury top of the NRL ladder since March. Galvin's ugly Wests Tigers exit dominated headlines for two months, while Crichton and other ex-Panthers remain close with Tigers co-captain Jarome Luai. Crichton said he did not like the fallout from the issue, including suggestions the playmaker would not be well received at the Bulldogs. "I don't really like it either, but I feel like you don't know someone unless you actually meet them," the Canterbury captain said from NSW State of Origin camp. "You can have an opinion about someone, but unless you go up there and speak to them you never know how that person is. "That's probably what I got from Lachy, because I never really met him until he got to the club. "When he did get there the biggest thing was he was happy. "He loves his footy, comes from a loving family, and the connection between the boys and him is probably the most vital thing." Crichton said teammates had sounded out Galvin in a team meeting over why he had opted to move to Canterbury, after gaining a release from the Tigers. Galvin will stand to earn more money over the next 18 months after exiting Concord, but knocked back bigger long-term contracts when signing with the Bulldogs. "That kind of question popped up ... 'what's your motivation? What drives you?'" Crichton said. "We just wanted to learn what was the honest truth with everything. "It wasn't about money and things like that, it's just coming to learn, for one. "And two, him being a better person and to be a better footy player as well. I feel like he's landed at the best club for that." Crichton said he believed halfback would be Galvin's long-term position, having already been impressed by the 19-year-old's ball work and commitment. The Bulldogs played Galvin in the halves when he entered the field against Parramatta on Monday, with off-contract No.7 Toby Sexton moved to hooker. Starting hooker Reed Mahoney appeared to cut a dejected figure in Canterbury's sheds following the game, having been granted permission to look elsewhere. But Crichton said the Bulldogs' culture meant players embraced the idea of a team-first mindset at the club and Galvin squeezing someone out would not be an issue. "It's the kind of culture that we're building right now," Crichton said. "Regardless of where you sit in the team it's always what the club needs and the team goes first. "Once you put that at the forefront of your mind, regardless of who's in the team, you want the club going in the right direction."
Sydney Morning Herald
17 hours ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Signs point to Reid remaining at Eagles in 2026
West Coast's highly sought young star Harley Reid is leaning towards remaining at the Eagles in 2026 rather than seeking a trade back home to Victoria. Reid, who has been subject to constant speculation – and interest from Victorian clubs since his outstanding debut season in 2024 – is said to be more likely to remain in Perth and play for West Coast next year, according to rival clubs and industry sources who spoke to this masthead on Wednesday. Reid is contracted for 2026, under the AFL's three-year mandatory minimum for first round picks, which means West Coast has a hold on him in any case. Of course, the prospect of Reid moving home to Victoria when his contract expires at the end of 2026 remains a live possibility. While he is more inclined to stay than leave, this is not a definitive position and it cannot be completely ruled out that he might seek a trade. The likelihood that Reid, the 2023 No.1 draft pick, will stay in Perth creates a series of dominoes for rival clubs, given that relatively few were well-placed to satisfy West Coast in a trade this year. Richmond and Essendon would arguably be the Victorian clubs with the best draft capital if Reid was willing to play for those clubs, and both are in the throes of rebuilding or replenishing their lists with youth rather than contending for the premiership. Of the Victorian clubs in contention mode, Geelong and Collingwood do not have first round choices this year in the national draft, while Hawthorn have Carlton's first round pick. Melbourne and Carlton, thus, are without first round picks, although the Blues would gain a top-10 choice, based on current ladder position, if they lost free agent Tom de Koning to St Kilda, who have offered the ruckman a staggering deal worth close to $1.7 million a season over a long-term.
