MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Noah Balta of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the 2019 AFL round 01 match between the Carlton Blues and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 21, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

Richmond defender Noah Balta has penned a new two-year extension to remain at Punt Road until the end of the 2023 season.

Now a premiership Tiger, Balta has cemented his place as a key-position defender in Richmond's defensive structure.

The exciting 21-year-old has thrived in his 32 games in the yellow and black after making his debut with Tigers in 2019.

Speaking to Richmond MediaBalta expressed his delight in re-signing with the Tigers.

“I have loved every second (of being here). It was not a hard decision for me to make,” he added.

“My time here has been unbelievable; I love every single one of the boys that are here and could not picture myself being anywhere else.”

Balta's athleticism and ability to lock-down opposition forwards has become vital to the Tigers' recent success and are attributes that Richmond general manager of football talent Blair Hartley has loved to see be injected into the club's system.

“Noah is a super talent and someone who adds a lot to our team with his versatility and athleticism,” Hartley said.

“As a young key position player, Noah has already shown an ability to influence games. We are really excited about his development and look forward to watching him continue to grow with the rest of our team.

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“Noah has worked really hard on his game since he first arrived at the Club, and this is a great reward for his efforts.”

Balta is set to add to his impressive start to the 2021 season as Richmond take on fellow undefeated side Sydney on Saturday.