Noah Balta, such a revelation for Richmond last year, got away to a flying start in the 2021 season-opener against Carlton at the MCG last Thursday night.

The 21-year-old, tall, athletic, key defender, who was an important member of the Tigers’ 2020 premiership side, underlined why he is one of the most exciting prospects in AFL football.

He was one of Richmond’s best in its 25-point win, finishing the match with 11 disposals, four marks, seven intercepts, four score involvements, six one-percenters and 319 metres gained.

“I thought he was pretty good. He got better as the game progressed,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said in his post-match press conference.

“He’s just such a dominant factor in the air.

“His motto is simple brilliance. So, if our fans could sit there and yell at him as much as they can – “simple brilliance” – he’s going to be an outstanding player.

“The ball’s firmly in Noah’s court.

“He’s a prodigious talent.

“How good he wants to be is up to him . . . how hard he wants to work at this game. He’s got some work to do in some areas of his game.

“It’s how much he wants it. If he wants to invest in himself, he’s going to be a very hard player to stop.”