Noah Balta - Welcome to Tigerland

[leon]

And some on here think he's a ruckman!! :rofl :rofl :rofl
Don't know about you, but I'm not driving my Ferrari in one of Easy's paddocks! ( as manicured as they are )

First point, not sure who you're referring to, but just maybe they're referring to relief or pinch-hit ruck for our one true ruckman who spends ~17% time off the ground. The same role Balta often fulfilled superbly at VFL level for our other genuine ruckman - Soldo, Nank's back-up.

I probably wouldn't know as much about ferraris or manicures as you, but I'm glad that over the last couple of years, that members of our team like Grigg, Riewoldt and even the likes of Drioli, didn't say when it was their turn to go, "Nah. I'm not doing that. I'm a Ferrari!"

So you think Balta wouldn't or couldn't perform that role at AFL level? At least a well as Grigg?

It's only a matter of whose place he takes and where he slots in, and building the tank to run out his role adequately.

 

[leon]

Think Balta needs to play a position where he can attack the ball. Not a position like Griggs where your job is primarily to find space and link up. That is counter instinctive to how he plays. CHB for mine.

Another of the Zips school of thought? Yer, will walk straight into CHB. Get rid of Rance or Astbury - couple of premiership has-been hacks!

I held back for a long time, but seriously. Balta can be classed as a utility at present. Could be played in a whole range of positions. Yes, eventually may become the Rance replacement, although we are also bringing Garth along nicely for a KPB as well. Noah could gradually slot in for part-time roles in the midfield or up forward; whether taking on the roles of a Grigg, Broad or deep forward giving Jack or Tom a breather too.

Castagna should worry also. Balta is a much bigger unit, stronger and more reliable mark, better and more powerful kick, another fierce tackler, almost as fast probably and quite agile for his size. It's just a matter of developing the tank to stay in the game long enough as needed.

I have no doubt he can rise to the relief ruck role - many of us have already seen the proof.

 

[toothless]

Is he fit enough to play some game time in the guts?

 

[leon]

Is he fit enough to play some game time in the guts?

That is the question, Toothless. I couldn't get to many VFL games this year due to working on Saturdays, so limited to mostly seeing just patches of TV games. So I couldn't observe his tank much, like how often he went to the bench etc. But thought he showed reasonable endurance for a young KPP size player. But they held him back, when I wanted them to launch him. So perhaps that was the concern. Still quite young - as another poster reminded us - just missed being eligible for 2018 draft.

Overall, he looks fit and strong all round.

 

[Tony Braxton-Hicks]

If he plays 17% relief ruck, what role does he have for the rest of the time? He won't have the tank to play wing as well, he can't simply be slotted in and out of the backline, and his best work hasn't been as a forward, where he'd be third fiddle to Tom and Jack, and taking up a resting forward spot for the likes of Caddy, Dusty, Cotch etc.

When he develops the tank he's a logical choice for relief ruck but his best fixed position for now would be Broad's spot. Could Broad shift up the ground as a big-bodied tagger to enable this?

 

[leon]

If he plays 17% relief ruck, what role does he have for the rest of the time? He won't have the tank to play wing as well, he can't simply be slotted in and out of the backline, and his best work hasn't been as a forward, where he'd be third fiddle to Tom and Jack, and taking up a resting forward spot for the likes of Caddy, Dusty, Cotch etc.

When he develops the tank he's a logical choice for relief ruck but his best fixed position for now would be Broad's spot. Could Broad shift up the ground as a big-bodied tagger to enable this?

It is a tricky question, TBH, but Broad certainly seems to have the speed and endurance to perhaps transition to this role. So Balta could find his groove down back. But we don't want to destabilise our strength which is what the backline has become (usually!). However, would expect Balta could get a run on the wing for Grigg or KMac, plus fill in up forward in patches too. His versatility is his value.

I mentioned Castagna too because he needs to find more consistency. Balta would be a definite danger on a HFF for periods too with his strong marking and ability to score from outside 50. The 3rd tall receiving the 3rd defender whom he could possibly exploit as he learns the ropes for a KPP in future. Remember, the great Richo began his career with a combo of HFF and wing.

Why I don't want to rush him into a backline role immediately though is that when you watch him, you can't help but see he's an attacking force. He likes to take the game on; he'll take risks and back himself because he has the speed, power and skill-set to carry it through.

Note - as relief ruck, it entails he is filling in when Nank's benched for a rest, AND so is his opponent usually. So Balta should not be competing against the oppo's No.1 man in general.

 

[Dont Argue]

Another of the Zips school of thought? Yer, will walk straight into CHB. Get rid of Rance or Astbury - couple of premiership has-been hacks!

I held back for a long time, but seriously. Balta can be classed as a utility at present. Could be played in a whole range of positions. Yes, eventually may become the Rance replacement, although we are also bringing Garth along nicely for a KPB as well. Noah could gradually slot in for part-time roles in the midfield or up forward; whether taking on the roles of a Grigg, Broad or deep forward giving Jack or Tom a breather too.

Castagna should worry also. Balta is a much bigger unit, stronger and more reliable mark, better and more powerful kick, another fierce tackler, almost as fast probably and quite agile for his size. It's just a matter of developing the tank to stay in the game long enough as needed.

I have no doubt he can rise to the relief ruck role - many of us have already seen the proof.

I'll try to ignore your baseless insults and keep to the topic because, unlike you, I prefer to play the ball and not the man
Using your logic, Garthwaite is a utility too, because he can't possibly be groomed as a KP defender atm?? He may as well pack up now!
If you had watched Balta play games live, rather than snippets on the TV for our 2 only televised games, you will have noted that Balta only backed up in the ruck in tandem with Soldo or Callum Jones or Chol, when no one else was available through injury. Other than that he predominately played CHB and played his best football there. He also played forward but, as others have stated, he didn't adapt as well as some would have hoped but there's plenty of time for future development in that regards.
Everyone who thinks he can ruck or play wing are pontificating with an assumption that he is an endurance type player. Do you have Draft Camp results to support your argument? Because wingers and rucks have elite endurance and that is something you can only improve on but are not necessarily born with. Balta can replace Broad atm but I'm sticking with my crystal ball that he is a long term KP defender and will probably continue to learn his craft in the VFL under Fly. CCJ the next ruck forward in my "Zipps" style humble opinion

BTW, Richo was an endurance beast, which allowed him to play the wings. Rance is another that can play up field because of his endurance ability.

 

[tigerlove]

I would see it as 2020 , 2019 he may not be upto it endurance wise

Another year of summer training, it will be interesting to see how he comes up in 2019. He's always been a very well built lad so has a jump start there where many talls take time to bulk up.

 

[tigerlove]

A lot of talk about Balta's best position. This article from last year was interesting.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-10-30/backwards-move-sets-up-draft-balta

 

[Dyer'ere]

I like Balta but he doesn't look like a player who watches a lot of football. His game is not rounded out. We get glimpses, at times even long glimpses. But nothing approaching a whole game yet. Not often even a quarter.

Balta has demonstrated that he can be dashing. Not that he's quick. (Miller has demonstrated both just much less often.) Balta's gathering of loose and line breaking can be above VFL level. He can read it. He can accelerate. (He's timely.) And too strong for VFL players so he can brush them aside - even as a teen. Line braking talls are gold.

Balta's hands overhead can be elite. If the ball touches the meat of his thumbs it will stick. (When he's confident.) His marking was progressively less evident from the early through to the late season. But he did start to clunk a few very late in the year. I can't recall him ever getting any hang time for a mark or even a spoil. He's not about altitude - yet. But confidence in the air was a huge issue with the youngster and fair enough.

Only in respect of gathering loose and judging the fall have I seen any striking acumen from Balta. He's big. He's bustling when on and he's brisk. But not brilliant.

He's been learning roles and maybe he'll just click tomorrow. But he's probably going to take a while. FWIW I think he's giving most of what he's got in terms of getting into the ground game. (Not so much in the air - a pup.)

Just on his stamina Balta is still running in the last quarter. Still got gears. Looks a natural for tank.

And I hear the plan is Forward/Ruck.

 

[easy_tiger]

I like Balta but he doesn't look like a player who watches a lot of football. His game is not rounded out. We get glimpses, at times even long glimpses. But nothing approaching a whole game yet. Not often even a quarter.

Balta has demonstrated that he can be dashing. Not that he's quick. (Miller has demonstrated both just much less often.) Balta's gathering of loose and line breaking can be above VFL level. He can read it. He can accelerate. (He's timely.) And too strong for VFL players so he can brush them aside - even as a teen. Line braking talls are gold.

Balta's hands overhead can be elite. If the ball touches the meat of his thumbs it will stick. (When he's confident.) His marking was progressively less evident from the early through to the late season. But he did start to clunk a few very late in the year. I can't recall him ever getting any hang time for a mark or even a spoil. He's not about altitude - yet. But confidence in the air was a huge issue with the youngster and fair enough.

Only in respect of gathering loose and judging the fall have I seen any striking acumen from Balta. He's big. He's bustling when on and he's brisk. But not brilliant.

He's been learning roles and maybe he'll just click tomorrow. But he's probably going to take a while. FWIW I think he's giving most of what he's got in terms of getting into the ground game. (Not so much in the air - a pup.)

Just on his stamina Balta is still running in the last quarter. Still got gears. Looks a natural for tank.

And I hear the plan is Forward/Ruck.

great read Capn :fing32

 

[Dont Argue]

I like Balta but he doesn't look like a player who watches a lot of football. His game is not rounded out. We get glimpses, at times even long glimpses. But nothing approaching a whole game yet. Not often even a quarter.

Balta has demonstrated that he can be dashing. Not that he's quick. (Miller has demonstrated both just much less often.) Balta's gathering of loose and line breaking can be above VFL level. He can read it. He can accelerate. (He's timely.) And too strong for VFL players so he can brush them aside - even as a teen. Line braking talls are gold.

Balta's hands overhead can be elite. If the ball touches the meat of his thumbs it will stick. (When he's confident.) His marking was progressively less evident from the early through to the late season. But he did start to clunk a few very late in the year. I can't recall him ever getting any hang time for a mark or even a spoil. He's not about altitude - yet. But confidence in the air was a huge issue with the youngster and fair enough.

Only in respect of gathering loose and judging the fall have I seen any striking acumen from Balta. He's big. He's bustling when on and he's brisk. But not brilliant.

He's been learning roles and maybe he'll just click tomorrow. But he's probably going to take a while. FWIW I think he's giving most of what he's got in terms of getting into the ground game. (Not so much in the air - a pup.)

Just on his stamina Balta is still running in the last quarter. Still got gears. Looks a natural for tank.

And I hear the plan is Forward/Ruck.
M

Always enjoy your read Jack, but you’re hearing wrong.
For anyone who enjoys hearing inner sanctum insights directly from coaches and recruiters, do yourself a favour and join Club 80. Worth every cent.
Balta being groomed in defence atm.

 

[Tigers of Old]

great read Capn :fing32

x 2. Love it Jack.

 

[ahyeahnah]

It is a tricky question, TBH, but Broad certainly seems to have the speed and endurance to perhaps transition to this role. So Balta could find his groove down back. But we don't want to destabilise our strength which is what the backline has become (usually!). However, would expect Balta could get a run on the wing for Grigg or KMac, plus fill in up forward in patches too. His versatility is his value.

I mentioned Castagna too because he needs to find more consistency. Balta would be a definite danger on a HFF for periods too with his strong marking and ability to score from outside 50. The 3rd tall receiving the 3rd defender whom he could possibly exploit as he learns the ropes for a KPP in future. Remember, the great Richo began his career with a combo of HFF and wing.

Why I don't want to rush him into a backline role immediately though is that when you watch him, you can't help but see he's an attacking force. He likes to take the game on; he'll take risks and back himself because he has the speed, power and skill-set to carry it through.

Note - as relief ruck, it entails he is filling in when Nank's benched for a rest, AND so is his opponent usually. So Balta should not be competing against the oppo's No.1 man in general.

With you 100% Leon.

I've seen Balta play all over the ground and his tank is fine.

On the backline, HB line, wing and a very strong marking forward. What's more he is a great set shot for goal and a bullocking ruck rover.

The more I see him the more he reminds me of early versions of Richo and Rance.

 

[Tiger Ghost]

I like Balta but he doesn't look like a player who watches a lot of football. His game is not rounded out.

I believe this was a bit of a query in his draft year, It was mentioned he didnt watch football nor did he have a deep love for the game. More he played it because he was good at it.
I think in this day and age it doesnt matter if your a Jack Higgins and are obsessed or your Noah Balta and dont care for the game outside playing it, clubs are really good at catering for individuals these days.
While i still think he is high risk high reward i cant hep but think we end up with 2 of the best 10 players from that draft

 

[ahyeahnah]

I like Balta but he doesn't look like a player who watches a lot of football. His game is not rounded out. We get glimpses, at times even long glimpses. But nothing approaching a whole game yet. Not often even a quarter.

Balta has demonstrated that he can be dashing. Not that he's quick. (Miller has demonstrated both just much less often.) Balta's gathering of loose and line breaking can be above VFL level. He can read it. He can accelerate. (He's timely.) And too strong for VFL players so he can brush them aside - even as a teen. Line braking talls are gold.

Balta's hands overhead can be elite. If the ball touches the meat of his thumbs it will stick. (When he's confident.) His marking was progressively less evident from the early through to the late season. But he did start to clunk a few very late in the year. I can't recall him ever getting any hang time for a mark or even a spoil. He's not about altitude - yet. But confidence in the air was a huge issue with the youngster and fair enough.

Only in respect of gathering loose and judging the fall have I seen any striking acumen from Balta. He's big. He's bustling when on and he's brisk. But not brilliant.

He's been learning roles and maybe he'll just click tomorrow. But he's probably going to take a while. FWIW I think he's giving most of what he's got in terms of getting into the ground game. (Not so much in the air - a pup.)

Just on his stamina Balta is still running in the last quarter. Still got gears. Looks a natural for tank.

And I hear the plan is Forward/Ruck.

In many ways he reminds me of a young version of Rance and Richo. I reckon he could be anything.

If he can get it together imagine how much damage he could do running forward from the wing and bullocking around the forward line.

And as you say, he still has plenty of run in the last qtr

 

[tigerman]

Is training with the forwards, would make a potent forward line with Jack and Lynch.
The Eagles premiership side had 4 talls Kennedy, Darling, Vardy and Lycett, i wonder whether we are looking at going with a taller set up.
Not sure whether Balta has the conditioning play forward and 2nd ruck, but it's something that i would eventually like to see.

 

[Feeling Tigerish]

In many ways he reminds me of a young version of Rance and Richo. I reckon he could be anything.

If he can get it together imagine how much damage he could do running forward from the wing and bullocking around the forward line.

And as you say, he still has plenty of run in the last qtr

Reckon he’s our Charlie curnow imo. Charlie started very slowly he’s first couple of years

 

[zippadeee]

I reckon if theres one player opposition clubs will chase in the next few years its balta.
We mightve bombed out on elton griffens vickery and homewood but this kid is going to be a ripper.
5-2 north to be the first to go after him...

 

[Dev Tiger]

I reckon he could be out best bet as a second ruck without losing to much running power.