Noah Balta produced one of the best performances of his AFL career in Richmond’s stirring 11-point victory over West Coast at Optus Stadium – and it couldn’t have come at a better time for the undermanned, injury-riddled Tigers.

The 26-year-old, in his 124th League game, was superb playing as a ruckman/forward.

He finished the match with 20 disposals, an AFL career-high 18 contested possessions, six marks, including a game-high and equal AFL career-high four contested grabs, three goals, three inside-50s, six clearances, an equal AFL career-high seven score involvements, an AFL career-high 20 hit-outs and 354 metres gained.

Balta, at 194cm, comes up short height-wise against most ruckmen in the competition, but his leaping ability is well suited to the new ruck rule that prohibits ruckmen from crossing the centre-line at ball-ups to engage with their opponent.

Richmond coach Adem Yze paid tribute to Balta during his post-match press conference.

“It’s a funny one with Noah. We know that he can do that [play forward and ruck], but we know that his best footy is probably down back. But he just wants to help our footy club, while we’re going through what we’re going through,” Yze said.

“Last week [v Melbourne], we threw him into the centre bounce without a shin guard, and you wouldn’t know it. He was just crashing packs and leading. 

“We need that when we’ve got a few of our leaders out. And he did the same today. 

“He impacted around the ground, and then we know what he can do when he’s forward. He’s a potent threat.”