Talented key defender Noah Balta encapsulated Richmond’s fighting spirit in last Saturday night’s win against St Kilda at the MCG.

After Balta’s top-class opponent Max King had got off to a flying start, kicking two goals early in the game and looking extremely dangerous, the 2020 premiership Tiger responded superbly.

Balta kept King goalless for the remainder of the match and combined tight defence with his elite intercept and rebounding ability.

He finished with 17 disposals, nine contested possessions, six marks, a game-high eight rebound-50s, 10 intercepts and 418 metres gained.

The athletic 23-year-old is in AFL career-best form this season, averaging 14.4 disposals, 5.6 marks, 5.3 rebound-50s, 8.3 intercepts and 376.1 metres gained per match.

Competition-wide, he is ranked second for intercepts, fourth for contested marks and sixth for rebound-50s.