Richmond coach Adem Yze has opened up on the decision to again shift Noah Balta from defence into attack and select mid-season rookie draft pick-up Jacob Blight to make his AFL debut as a key backman against Carlton at the MCG last Sunday.

Balta provided the Tigers with a decent target up forward, kicking three goals, while Blight performed admirably on star Blues’ key forward Harry McKay, keeping him to just two goals.

“We could have gone a different way and we toiled with different ideas during the week,” Yze said in his post-match press conference.

“I was really reluctant to move Noah Balta. His last month as a defender had been really strong, but Blighty’s form in the VFL really warranted an opportunity. And then we know what Noah can do in the front end.

“I thought Noah gave us a contest that we needed forward of the ball and Blighty held up his own against one of the best (key forwards) in the comp. He did well . . . he will be better for it.

“We just need two Noah Baltas at the moment.”