Richmond's Noah Balta has done "everything right" during his 10 pm court-imposed curfew from the off-season physical assault charge that was lifted on July 22, making him available for all upcoming clashes.
The court-ordered punishment and the club-set ban have limited Balta to eight outings in 2025, albeit ready and raring to go on the sidelines. He featured twice in the VFL.
The 25-year-old will be a welcome return to the Tigers, who prepare to face ladder leaders Collingwood on Sunday at the MCG, and could be utilised in the front half, given the improvement on the defensive end.
Coach Adem Yze says that Balta has continued to put his best foot forward, and can still make an impact with five matches remaining.
"He did everything right during that process. He tried to do the right thing around the club with his leadership and support of our young players. Finally, that's over," Yze said.
"That would be tough for anyone. It's hard enough going out through injury, let alone being fit to play but not able to play. He had a smile on his face the other night when that curfew finished. In saying that, he still has a responsibility to finish off the season the right way.
"He will come into the team this week and hopefully be a really good teammate and do exactly what he's been doing. He has a nice block of games to finish off the season and hopefully finish off the right way."
However, there will be a watch on star midfielder Tim Taranto, who left the track early on Thursday.
The Tigers have exceeded all expectations thus far, claiming four scalps when most tipped the rebuilding club to struggle, especially when debuting all but one of last year's draft crops.
Josh Smillie's injury woes have prevented the emerging talent from gracing an AFL field, but Yze says he won't be far away as the Tigers set a "clear plan" forward.
"He will hopefully get a full training this week and next week," Yze said.
"We have a really clear plan, and we want him to get through two big weeks of training before he plays.
"Hopefully, in a couple of weeks, he will play some footy, and he would be a guy that I would love to give some exposure to before the season finishes, so he can go to the off-season knowing what AFL footy is about.
"I feel for him, but he is working really hard."
Yze also didn't stop short in saying that veteran Dion Prestia is more than capable of playing on in 2026 as the club weighs up its major list calls.
Prestia, 32, is out of contract at season's end, and has experienced multiple injury setbacks in the past few years.
However, the former Sun has played in the past seven clashes, and has provided an important stop-gap for the next generation coming through.
"We understand where his head sits and he has an eye to the future around coaching, but those discussions for next season will start with [Richmond list boss] Blair [Hartley]," said Yze.
"His value on the field and off the field right now has been terrific for our young boys. I can't see any reason why he wouldn't be here."
