Exciting Richmond key defensive pair Noah Balta and Tylar Young have inked new two-year deals, tying them to the Club until at least the end of 2025.

Balta, 23, has played 70 games in the Yellow and Black since initially being selected with Richmond’s second pick, selection No. 25 overall at the 2017 AFL National Draft.

After spending his first year at the Club in the VFL, Balta earned his AFL debut in the season opener of his second campaign as a ruck/forward.

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Balta went on to play 13-matches that year before solidifying his spot as a key defender in his third year, 2020.

Having only just turned 21, Balta then became the youngest member of Richmond's 2020 AFL premiership team.

The power athlete has remained an important member of the Tigers' back line ever since, with his versatility also remaining something for opposition coaches to be wary of.

Balta has had a solid start to 2023, highlighted by a stellar performance against Adelaide in Round 2, where he pulled down a massive nine intercept marks, including four contested.

Young, who Richmond selected as a mature-aged rookie from the Club's VFL program via Frankston (VFL) and North Albury, has made a stellar start to his time at the top level.

The 24-year-old, who only began playing competitive football in 2019, played six consecutive senior games from his debut in Round 2 before a lower leg injury forced him out of the side last week.

Young ranks a clear #1 at Richmond for spoils (#10 in the AFL), while his contested defensive one-on-one loss rate of just 12.5% also stands out as the best among Tigers players.

Richmond General Manager- Football Talent Blair Hartley said the pair were important acquisitions for the Club's future.

"It has been pleasing to see Noah and Tylar playing together as our key defensive pair for most of the start to this season, building synergy and not being overawed by the tasks of playing on the opposition's best forwards," he added.

"Noah has achieved a lot in his first five years with us, and we believe his best football is still to come.

"This contract extension rewards his hard work behind the scenes. We look forward to seeing his game continue to grow as he is an important part of our future."

Hartley added that Young thoroughly deserved his first contract extension.

"Tylar has made an impressive start to his career, not putting a foot wrong in his time with us both in the AFL and when part of our VFL squad," he said.

"He has worked hard for his opportunities, and we look forward to seeing what he can continue to achieve across the next two years and beyond as he continues to develop all facets of his game.

“We are excited by his potential given what he has achieved in such a short time.”