Richmond co-captain Toby Nankervis has heaped praise on Tigers teammate Noah Balta after his “unbelievable” performance against GWS.
Balta, a defender-turned-forward, kicked a career-high four goals in Richmond’s Round 2 win over the Giants after booting two majors against Carlton in Round 1.
The emerging Tiger has adapted quickly to his new role and poses an aerial threat inside attacking 50.
“He (Balta) can do anything, can’t he?” Nankervis told SEN’s The Run Home.
“He’s powerful and dynamic on the ground, but he’s so good one-on-one.
“He can do it all, can’t he? He can play back, forward and in the ruck – I don’t think there’s many 21-year-olds that can do that at AFL level.”
Balta is a raw talent with a booming right-foot kick who held down a key defensive post in Richmond’s premiership-winning side in 2020.
“I think he’s going to grow as well,” Nankervis said of Balta.
“He’s played two full seasons down back, now he’s getting a chance up forward. I thought he was unbelievable yesterday (Sunday).
“I think the best version of our team is to have Noah up and going so he can play anywhere. Not many players can do that – it’s pretty special for such a young player to do that.”
Balta, a second-round pick in the 2017 National Draft, has played 46 games for the Tigers.