Noah Balta was a tower of strength for Richmond across the backline in last night’s clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.

The talented, young Tiger ‘tall’ superbly handled the offensive heat applied by the Lions throughout the match.

Balta attacked the ball with plenty of confidence and showed admirable composure under composure.

He had 17 disposals, seven marks, an AFL-career and game-high 13 intercepts, three rebound-50s, seven one-percenters and 310 metres gained in Richmond’s 28-point loss.

It was a performance that further underlined just why Balta is one of the best under-22 players in the AFL competition.

At 21 years of age (he doesn’t turn 22 until late October), and with just 40 games of senior experience for the Tigers, the 2020 premiership player appears destined for an illustrious league football career.