Latest news with #AdemYze
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Richmond's Noah Balta no longer limited by a court-imposed curfew
Richmond defender Noah Balta will return to the line-up this week no longer burdened by a court-imposed curfew that coach Adem Yze said was a 'tough' period for him to endure. Balta missed the Tigers' back-to-back wins against Essendon and then West Coast across the past two rounds, both night games and one interstate, due to the curfew that demanded he be at home by 10.30pm. It was imposed as part of his penalty after pleading guilty to the assault of a man in NSW last December. The court-ordeal and sentence, plus a club-imposed ban, have limited Balta, who signed a mammoth seven-year contract late last year, to just eight games in 2025 despite being fit and available. Yze said the impact couldn't be understated, but with the curfew now lifted, Balta had a 'good block' of games to re-establish himself. 'Just the mentality around it, he did everything right during that process. He tried to do the right thing around the club, his leadership, his support of our younger players was outstanding,' he said on Thursday. 'But finally that's over. It would have been tough for anyone. It's hard enough going out through injury, let alone being fit to play but not able to play. 'He had a smile on his face the other night when that curfew finished. 'But he still has a responsibility to finish the season off in the right way. He'll come into the team this week and hopefully be a really good teammate. 'He's got a nice block of games to finish off the season and help us finish off the right way.' The Tigers have surpassed expectations in 2025, winning five games, having unleased a raft of the high draft picks taken last year after a mass exodus of premiership players. One yet to be seen at the top level, however, is Josh Smillie, who was taken at pick 7 but has been derailed in his bid for an AFL debut by hamstring issues. Yze said the youngster was closer to a VFL return and could 'push' to play AFL before the end of the season. 'He will hopefully get a full training this week and next week,' Yze said. 'We have a really clear plan, and we want him to get through two big weeks of training before he plays. 'Hopefully, in a couple of weeks he will play some footy, and he would be a guy that I would love to give some exposure to before the season finishes so he can go to the off-season knowing what AFL footy is about. 'I feel for him, but he is working really hard.'
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Winless season for Tigers? We've got five and counting
Five victories isn't bad for a team that was predicted to go winless this season, but Richmond coach Adem Yze is far from satisfied ahead of his team's daunting clash with ladder leaders Collingwood. The rebuilding Tigers took another step forward on Saturday night when they unleashed an eight goal third-quarter blitz to defeat West Coast by 49 points at Optus Stadium. The 16.9 (105) to 8.8 (56) triumph marked back-to-back victories for the first time since 2023. A bigger test awaits next Sunday when they take on ladder leaders Collingwood at the MCG. Richmond won just two games in Yze's first season last year. At the end of that wooden spoon campaign, the Tigers lost premiership stars Shai Bolton (Fremantle), Liam Baker (West Coast), Jack Graham (West Coast) and Daniel Rioli (Gold Coast) to rival clubs, while superstar Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett all retired. It led many to question whether Richmond would even win a single game in 2025 - a doubt the Tigers blew out of the water with a shock win over Carlton in round one. And while this season has still been tough, it's fair to say they have exceeded expectations. Yze said the dire predictions of a winless season hadn't weighed on the playing group. "We didn't really care what other people thought, and it's easy to say that now that we've won five games, but it's not about that," Yze said. "Five games isn't enough. We've got a game against Collingwood next week, and we'll go there hoping that we can put on a performance that our Tiger army are proud of. "Right now we've got five wins, and we're looking for more." Maurice Rioli's inspiring first-quarter chase down on Brady Hough helped set the tone early against West Coast. Rioli also produced a memorable smother to set up a goal for Toby Nankervis in the second quarter. MJ takes us through the TWO key moments that sparked the Tigers 🔑😮 thanks to @natstorage — Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) July 20, 2025 Star midfield duo Jacob Hopper (33 disposals, eight clearances, two goals) and Tim Taranto (30 disposals, seven clearances, three goals) led from the front, while Jack Ross (25 disposals) restricted Harley Reid to just seven disposals in the second half. Yze was also excited by the form of the club's younger players - the long list including Jonty Faull, Luke Trainor and Taj Hotton. "Then you've got Tyler Sonsie, who hasn't played 50 games yet, and Rhyan Mansell and Seth Campbell, Sam Banks," he said. "So there's that core group that are almost getting to that 50-game barrier. "When we combine all those things together - our youth get better, the middle part of our list keep improving, and our leaders lead - we will be competitive." Campbell, who kicked two goals, will miss the match against Collingwood due to concussion.
Yahoo
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Coach rejects Harley Reid claim as Hinkley wows with response to Jack Ginnivan act
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has dismissed suggestions the Eagles' poor form could convince Harley Reid to the leave the club. The Eagles slumped to an eighth-consecutive loss on Saturday night when they were walloped by 49 points by fellow AFL strugglers Richmond. Reid racked up 20 disposals and six clearances in the first half, but was restricted to just four possessions in the third quarter as the Eagles imploded. West Coast trailed by just nine points at the half before Richmond piled on eight goals to one in a devastating third-quarter blitz to run away with the 16.9 (105) to 8.8 (56) win. Richmond coach Adem Yze admitted he felt "sorry for the kid" after 20-year-old Reid was given a hard tag by Jack Ross. The No.1 draft pick has now become the No.1 target for opposition taggers. West Coast are now 1-17 on the year and all-but certain to collect a second wooden spoon in three seasons. Reid has only experienced six wins in 38 games so far in his young career, but McQualter doesn't think it will dissuade him from sticking around. RELATED: Jake Stringer cops sanction from AFL after GWS Giants victory Former Hawthorn figure floated to join Essendon after shock exit Reid is from country Victoria, and speculation is rife he'll look to move home when his deal with the Eagles expires. "I think if you see Harley and the way he's invested, he's absolutely in and he's a competitor," McQualter said after the game. "He's wanting to do everything to get this club out of this position. Nobody likes losing, I appreciate that part of it. We're all sick to death of it to be honest. But we're the only people that can make a change. It's people inside the four walls that can get us out of here and we have to do it together." Ken Hinkley praised for response to Jack Ginnivan 'payback' Meanwhile, Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has been praised for his "brilliant" response to a goal celebration from Jack Ginnivan that was directed at him during Hawthorn's win on Saturday afternoon. The Hawks got some payback on Port with a 38-point in Launceston after the Power knocked them out of the finals last year. After that spiteful match last season, Hinkley copped a $20,000 fine for taunting Ginnivan by telling him "you're not flying" - a reference to the fact the Hawks wouldn't be travelling to Sydney for the next match. On Saturday, Ginnivan kicked an early goal before putting his arms out like a plane in a direct reference to Hinkley's taunt. The Port coached cracked a smile in the box and saw the funny side, and won praise for his post-match comments about it. "Payback is deserved," Hinkley admitted. "I have no problems with it and I am OK with it, I think it's good for the game, the theatre of the game. "And good on Jack ... and Hawthorn themselves as a club. I won't be one that sits here and does anything but acknowledge that it was my turn today." Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton said on Fox Footy: 'Well done, Kenny. He's a good man. He's taken that in great spirits. Sometimes you've just got to lick your wounds, don't you? I'm applauding Ken for having a giggle at that. That's like Kenny's just stood up and said 'touché'.' Fellow commentator Dwayne Russell added: 'Brilliant sportsmanship, really, from Kenny there, as the fans (with) a bit of pantomime booing as well when Kenny was shown on the big screen. Ken (is) enjoying it, really, the pantomime villain." "I think it's good for the game, the theatre of the game." 🙌Ken Hinkley was all praise for Jack Ginnivan's goal celebration post-match.#AFLHawksPower — AFL (@AFL) July 19, 2025
The Advertiser
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
It will be on for young and old: Tigers ready for Reid
Richmond coach Adem Yze says Harley Reid is a special player that requires special plans, but Eagles players have vowed to have the young star's back if those tactics become physical. Reid produced his best display of the season in last week's 26-point loss to Port Adelaide, tallying a team-high 27 disposals and six clearances to go with a goal. But the performance didn't come without controversy, with Reid fined $6250 for a kick-trip on Travis Boak that Essendon legend James Hird said deserved to be a three or four-week suspension. Reid's heated battle with Jason Horne-Francis was also a big talking point. The young Eagle reportedly sledged the Port star with words to the effect of "go back to mummy, you left after one year", in reference to Horne-Francis lasting just one season at North Melbourne before seeking a trade back to his home state of South Australia. It came a week after Reid was physically targeted by GWS players during his heated battle with star Giants midfielder Tom Green. Reid will again be the centre of attention in Saturday night's clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium, and Yze is well aware of the challenge that lays ahead for the Tigers. "Well, special attention because he's a special player," Yze replied when asked what attention will be paid to Reid. "We can't have him being best on ground. Last time we played, when he played well, they hit the scoreboard and got a lot of momentum. "The main thing is playing hard. He's a tough player, and he's very good at footy, so denying him access at centre bounce (is important). "He'll be just another one of the West Coast players that we need to target. It's going to be on for young and old." Young Eagles midfielder Clay Hall said he and his teammates would have Reid's back. "That's something I'd love to do for someone who is a fellow draftee of mine," Hall said. "We're the same age, and to watch how much he cops it on the field and then off the field as well in terms of media, it's a little bit unfair at times. "So we'll support him as much as we can. He's one of my best mates around the club." Reid has given away a whopping 52 free kicks across 17 games this season, and he has now been fined 13 times so far in his 37-game career, as well as copping a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle last year. West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is doing his best to encourage Reid to maintain his intense competitiveness while playing within the rules. If West Coast (1-16) are any hope to avoid the wooden spoon, they simply must defeat 17th-placed Richmond (4-13). The Eagles have recalled midfielder Tim Kelly following his one-week stint in the WAFL, while Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are the other inclusions, with Elijah Hewett rested. Richmond coach Adem Yze says Harley Reid is a special player that requires special plans, but Eagles players have vowed to have the young star's back if those tactics become physical. Reid produced his best display of the season in last week's 26-point loss to Port Adelaide, tallying a team-high 27 disposals and six clearances to go with a goal. But the performance didn't come without controversy, with Reid fined $6250 for a kick-trip on Travis Boak that Essendon legend James Hird said deserved to be a three or four-week suspension. Reid's heated battle with Jason Horne-Francis was also a big talking point. The young Eagle reportedly sledged the Port star with words to the effect of "go back to mummy, you left after one year", in reference to Horne-Francis lasting just one season at North Melbourne before seeking a trade back to his home state of South Australia. It came a week after Reid was physically targeted by GWS players during his heated battle with star Giants midfielder Tom Green. Reid will again be the centre of attention in Saturday night's clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium, and Yze is well aware of the challenge that lays ahead for the Tigers. "Well, special attention because he's a special player," Yze replied when asked what attention will be paid to Reid. "We can't have him being best on ground. Last time we played, when he played well, they hit the scoreboard and got a lot of momentum. "The main thing is playing hard. He's a tough player, and he's very good at footy, so denying him access at centre bounce (is important). "He'll be just another one of the West Coast players that we need to target. It's going to be on for young and old." Young Eagles midfielder Clay Hall said he and his teammates would have Reid's back. "That's something I'd love to do for someone who is a fellow draftee of mine," Hall said. "We're the same age, and to watch how much he cops it on the field and then off the field as well in terms of media, it's a little bit unfair at times. "So we'll support him as much as we can. He's one of my best mates around the club." Reid has given away a whopping 52 free kicks across 17 games this season, and he has now been fined 13 times so far in his 37-game career, as well as copping a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle last year. West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is doing his best to encourage Reid to maintain his intense competitiveness while playing within the rules. If West Coast (1-16) are any hope to avoid the wooden spoon, they simply must defeat 17th-placed Richmond (4-13). The Eagles have recalled midfielder Tim Kelly following his one-week stint in the WAFL, while Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are the other inclusions, with Elijah Hewett rested. Richmond coach Adem Yze says Harley Reid is a special player that requires special plans, but Eagles players have vowed to have the young star's back if those tactics become physical. Reid produced his best display of the season in last week's 26-point loss to Port Adelaide, tallying a team-high 27 disposals and six clearances to go with a goal. But the performance didn't come without controversy, with Reid fined $6250 for a kick-trip on Travis Boak that Essendon legend James Hird said deserved to be a three or four-week suspension. Reid's heated battle with Jason Horne-Francis was also a big talking point. The young Eagle reportedly sledged the Port star with words to the effect of "go back to mummy, you left after one year", in reference to Horne-Francis lasting just one season at North Melbourne before seeking a trade back to his home state of South Australia. It came a week after Reid was physically targeted by GWS players during his heated battle with star Giants midfielder Tom Green. Reid will again be the centre of attention in Saturday night's clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium, and Yze is well aware of the challenge that lays ahead for the Tigers. "Well, special attention because he's a special player," Yze replied when asked what attention will be paid to Reid. "We can't have him being best on ground. Last time we played, when he played well, they hit the scoreboard and got a lot of momentum. "The main thing is playing hard. He's a tough player, and he's very good at footy, so denying him access at centre bounce (is important). "He'll be just another one of the West Coast players that we need to target. It's going to be on for young and old." Young Eagles midfielder Clay Hall said he and his teammates would have Reid's back. "That's something I'd love to do for someone who is a fellow draftee of mine," Hall said. "We're the same age, and to watch how much he cops it on the field and then off the field as well in terms of media, it's a little bit unfair at times. "So we'll support him as much as we can. He's one of my best mates around the club." Reid has given away a whopping 52 free kicks across 17 games this season, and he has now been fined 13 times so far in his 37-game career, as well as copping a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle last year. West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is doing his best to encourage Reid to maintain his intense competitiveness while playing within the rules. If West Coast (1-16) are any hope to avoid the wooden spoon, they simply must defeat 17th-placed Richmond (4-13). The Eagles have recalled midfielder Tim Kelly following his one-week stint in the WAFL, while Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are the other inclusions, with Elijah Hewett rested.
News.com.au
11-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
AFL 2025: Richmond coach Adem Yze on latest debutant Taj Hotton
Richmond coach Adem Yze will unleash 'special talent' Taj Hotton in a variety of roles in his highly anticipated debut on Saturday night. The Tigers selected Hotton with one of their six first round picks last year despite him missing a chunk of the year through an ACL setback. Hotton showed why he was once touted to go as high as pick No.1 prior to injury through strong performances in the VFL on return. With the absence of spearhead Tom Lynch through suspension, Hotton could spend time deep inside the Tigers' 50. But as Yze sees it, Hotton has the capacity to play deep, high and even pinch hit in the middle of the ground. 'He's just a pure forward, so we can play him at either line. He can go deep, he can play a high-forward role,' he said. 'Then he has pinch hit in the midfield in the VFL the last couple of weeks, so we might see him around the ball late in the game as well. 'We'd like to give him that exposure – whether it's this week or coming weeks.' The 183cm Hotton can play taller than his height suggests, as he launches at the footy with consummate ease. Yze says Hotton's areal power, craft at ground level and work ethic is why Richmond coaches, players and supporters are itching to see the young talent under MCG lights against Essendon. 'He's a special talent, when you've got the ability to jump and mark like he does and then at ground level do things, it's really hard to coach,' he said. 'It's the reason he went so high in the draft and the reason we rated him so highly going into the draft. 'There's all those things and then there's his work ethic, to get where he is today to be ready to play at AFL level after three VFL games is a credit to him. 'The spotlight is going to be on him like it was on Sammy (Lalor) earlier in the year and like it has been for all our first round picks. 'We've got to help him through that (and) he understands he's got a nice block of games to start feeling like he belongs at AFL level.'
