Richmond assistant coach and Brisbane great Justin Leppitsch hails Noah Balta as the most gifted young athlete he has seen in his time in the AFL, and we all got a sense of that raw athleticism on Sunday in the Tigers' 12-point JLT Community Series win over Melbourne.

For a teenager who had previously played predominantly as a key defender at VFL level, Balta made a decent fist of it as a ruckman/forward in the win over the Demons.

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The 19-year-old, who is entering his second season, showed great strength and speed in collecting 18 possessions and kicking two second-quarter goals, suggesting that Balta could be the bolter for the Tigers' No.2 ruck role.

Speaking to Roar Vision after the match, Balta said he enjoyed the challenge of adapting to the speed of an AFL game.     

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“It was a different experience compared to VFL level, the ball just flies so much quicker and it’s just a quicker moving game, you’ve got to get into your spot sooner than later,” he said.

Alongside working closely with ruck coach Ivan Maric, the utility spent the pre-season with Richmond’s forward group, as he develops the craft he hopes will translate all over the field.                 

“After I do the ruck, I like to be a fourth midfielder and help out the mids instead of just tapping it down then standing there, I like to get involved in the game that way,” he said.

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“(I’ve been focusing on) a lot of aerial work, that’s the role I’ve been playing and just being down the line and being able to bring that ball to ground or win it, that’s probably my main focus.”

With the up-and-comer yet to play a senior home and away game, Balta is now better positioned than ever to earn a senior debut in 2019.

“I just hope to get a game, that’s that,” he said.

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