Richmond defender Noah Balta is set to be available for selection for the Club’s season opener against Carlton next Thursday night.
The 194cm key back has overcome a minor hamstring injury in time to face the Blues, barring any hiccups on the training track this week.
“We anticipate Noah will train fully across the next week and put his hand up for selection,” Richmond High Performance Manager Ben Serpell said.
Midfielder Dion Prestia will also train fully ahead of the season opener, though the Club may lean on the side of caution with the veteran.
“Dion as well could be in the mix for Thursday night as he is really close to returning to match play,” Serpell said.
“Last year we were conservative with his return (VFL minutes after an Achilles injury), and it worked with him playing 12 consecutive (AFL) games, so we may look to do similar again.”
Nick Vlastuin has also been listed as a test, with the Club confident he has overcome the ankle injury that curtailed his off-season.
“Nick has got his ankle in a really good spot, and we are really pleased with where that sits,” Serpell said.
“We will still assess how his body is feeling for Thursday night, given the training he has missed and some of the soreness he has had. So, he remains a test for Carlton, but we are pleased with where he is at.”
The Club can also confirm that Josh Smillie is unfortunately set for a further period on the sidelines after suffering a new quad injury.
“Josh, unfortunately, suffered a quad strain at one of our recent rehab sessions, which will delay his return to play,” Serpell said.
“To be clear, it is not a re-injury of the injury which required surgery, and the young man himself is as disappointed as everyone else at the Club is for him, given the work he has put in.
“We are on the right path with Josh. However, we also want to be conservative and anticipate that this will unfortunately extend his rehab by 4-8 weeks.
“We will have a clearer picture on this in the coming weeks.”
Ruckman Ollie Hayes-Brown is a test to return to availability after missing the weekend's VFL practice match, while Samson Ryan is expected to be back playing in Round 3 or 4.
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| Player | Injury | Estimated Return |
|---|---|---|
21. Noah Balta |
Toe |
Round 23-24
Balta injured his toe after an awkward landing during a contest in Round 19. Read Article |
|
22. Sam Cumming |
Ankle/Shoulder |
Season
Cumming suffered a moderate grade syndesmosis injury in a tackle during Round 21. The ankle injury will not require surgery, but the Club will take the opportunity for him to go in and have his shoulder operated on. Read Article |
|
7. Rhyan Mansell |
Foot |
Season
The Club sought specialist opinion regarding Rhyan Mansell's foot soreness leading into Round 21. Following their assessment, the Club has made the decision to rule him out for the remainder of the year. Read Article |
|
38. Tom Sims |
Toe |
Season
Sims has some medial sesamoid pain, with the plan to offload him until he is pain-free. Read Article |
|
49. Kaleb Smith |
Quad |
Season
Smith sustained a quad strain in the July 19 VFL game. Read Article |
|
2. Jacob Hopper |
Ankle |
Season
Hopper suffered a stress fracture in his ankle following the Round 14 game against Brisbane. Read Article |
|
8. Jonty Faull |
Back |
Season
Faull will miss the remainder of the 2026 AFL season due to stress fractures in his back. Read Article |
|
18. Josh Gibcus |
Knee |
Season
Gibcus sustained an ACL sprain in the VFL Round 5 game. Read Article |
|
16. Josh Smillie |
Quad |
Season
Smillie and the Club are entirely focused on setting him up for a full pre-season. Read Article |
21. Noah Balta
Balta injured his toe after an awkward landing during a contest in Round 19.
Read Article
22. Sam Cumming
Cumming suffered a moderate grade syndesmosis injury in a tackle during Round 21. The ankle injury will not require surgery, but the Club will take the opportunity for him to go in and have his shoulder operated on.
Read Article
7. Rhyan Mansell
The Club sought specialist opinion regarding Rhyan Mansell's foot soreness leading into Round 21. Following their assessment, the Club has made the decision to rule him out for the remainder of the year.
Read Article
38. Tom Sims
Sims has some medial sesamoid pain, with the plan to offload him until he is pain-free.
Read Article
49. Kaleb Smith
Smith sustained a quad strain in the July 19 VFL game.
Read Article
2. Jacob Hopper
Hopper suffered a stress fracture in his ankle following the Round 14 game against Brisbane.
Read Article
8. Jonty Faull
Faull will miss the remainder of the 2026 AFL season due to stress fractures in his back.
Read Article
18. Josh Gibcus
Gibcus sustained an ACL sprain in the VFL Round 5 game.
Read Article
16. Josh Smillie
Smillie and the Club are entirely focused on setting him up for a full pre-season.
Read ArticleLast Updated:
