Noah Balta named for Richmond's AFL team as two Melbourne stars dropped
Richmond has named Noah Balta to play in the AFL against Gold Coast just three days before he is sentenced in court, having pleaded guilty to assaulting a man on December 30.
Meanwhile, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has taken a stand amid the Demons' winless start to the season, axing 2021 premiership-winner Bayley Fritsch and young forward Jacob van Rooyen for Saturday night's clash with Fremantle at the MCG.
Carlton coach Michael Voss has also made a statement by dropping veteran defender Sam Docherty for the Blues' Good Friday game against North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium.
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Young Blue Elijah Hollands took personal leave on the eve of the season but is back at the club and set to play his first game on Friday afternoon.
Tigers coach Adem Yze told media on Wednesday that Balta, who played for Richmond's VFL side on Sunday, would be available for AFL selection this week.
The defender has now been named to face Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
Richmond's Noah Balta. Getty
Balta will attend Albury Local Court for sentencing on Tuesday.
The 25-year-old has pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail.
The Demons are 0-5 and desperate for a win against the Dockers.
Fritsch and van Rooyen have been dropped after scoring just three and four goals respectively across Melbourne's first five games.
