Adem Yze has confirmed Noah Balta will return for the Richmond Tigers as the club prepares to take on the Hawks on Sunday.
Balta was unable to play in the Tigers’ 20-point loss to Melbourne last week due to his court-imposed curfew, which requires him to be home between 10pm and 6am.
He was also absent from the club’s VFL team last week, opting to rest just days after his sentencing for assault.
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The 25-year-old’s curfew will also see him forced to watch all Richmond’s intestate games and night matches from home until the end of July.
Despite his off-field situation, Yze admitted that the key defender is in a “good spot” to return to the starting side against the Hawks.
“He had a great (training) session over the weekend, and he’s had a great week on the track,” the Tigers coach said.
Noah Balta of the Tigers and Adem Yze, Senior Coach of the Tigers. AFL Photos via Getty Images
“We got some volume into him and he’s had a great week on the track.
“The way he played last time, he’ll be in our team.”
Yze said Balta’s character in the team environment is one many of his players continue to look to, with his leadership skills a significant benefit for the group.
“He’s such a good teammate,” Yze continued.
“The players love having him around, part of the group, and he’s a leader out there.
“He’s had a nice week and he’s ready to go.”
James Worpel of the Hawks celebrates with teammates. Getty
The clash on Sunday will mark the 100th anniversary of Hawthorn’s first ever VFL appearance against Richmond on May 2, 1925. The clash is taking place just two days after the day of the historic match.
While Hawthorn will be favourites to win, Yze admitted that he believes his team can “spoil the party”.
“It’s a bit ironic,” he said.
“In Dusty’s (retired Richmond legend Dustin Martin) 300th we played against the Hawks and they spoiled the party that day.
“So it might be a bit of payback (on Sunday).”
