Player Watch #21: Noah Balta

[DickieKnee]

Anyone else think he could in future be playing richos role on the wing

He could be anything.

 

[Tony Stark]

My wish for Balta is that he turns into an elite version of GWS's utility Adam Tomlinson or Mark Blicavs (Geel), guys you can throw in any key position or along the wing and they dominate. Last night someting twigged with Balta, taking a big leap in his development (especially in the last quarter). Yes he made some mistakes but thats by far been his best game this season.

Was a mistakathon from both sides last night, we were just cleaner when it mattered. Balta just has that energy about him that says we need to find a spot for him. He seems to be a flexible type player so am sure the brains trust can find the right roles for him to fill even once Jack is back in the side.

 

[Charlie Pannam]

My wish for Balta is that he turns into an elite version of GWS's utility Adam Tomlinson or Mark Blicavs (Geel), guys you can throw in any key position or along the wing and they dominate. Last night someting twigged with Balta, taking a big leap in his development (especially in the last quarter). Yes he made some mistakes but thats by far been his best game this season.

Swing man- he fits the bill in that you can throw him forward/ back / mid
I don’t think we’ll see the best of him for another 4 or 5 years he’s extremely raw but managing to impact games with amazing athleticism. I’m hoping ends up an Adam Goodes clone

 

[CASEYS9420]

Was a mistakathon from both sides last night, we were just cleaner when it mattered. Balta just has that energy about him that says we need to find a spot for him. He seems to be a flexible type player so am sure the brains trust can find the right roles for him to fill even once Jack is back in the side.

To be honest I'd love for him to become the ready made replacement for Riewoldt when he retires but play more the Fwd/Ruc role, thats thinking too far ahead.

 

[tigerdan]

Kudos to the guys who had big raps on this kids from early on. Last night was the first time i'd seen him play and he looks a really exciting prospect.

 

[tony__montana]

Kudos to the guys who had big raps on this kids from early on. Last night was the first time i'd seen him play and he looks a really exciting prospect.

Yeah his last qtr was very exciting. Hope we keep pumping games into him, could be anything

 

[SumTingWong]

I think he's too big. If he trimmed down his athleticism would come to the fore and he could run games out better

 

[Craze]

He can roost the footy, geez he gives it a belt off either foot.

 

[Morro]

When was the last time we had a massive unit with serious campaigner in him

This kid is really goung to hurt someone with his pace, size and desire to hit

 

[Michaels]

I likes his game last night.

I have zero issue with him playing 55% game time because he is coming on fresh when Nank needs a rest. So we dont have 2 tired ruckman out there.

Couple of nice goals too.

Interesting that he even admitted he doesnt know what his best position is yet.

So he is learning multiple set ups, patterns etc all at once where as 85% of the other players have set positions.

He is doing just fine.

 

[Monjike]

If only he slotted the left footer from 55m lol

I thought it was over 60...

 

[tigs2010]

I thougjt it was over 60...

If he kicked it it would have been 90

 

[Monjike]

Balta reminds me of a raw Kouta...

 

[loser 81 2 16]

Doesn't he speak and sound like Ivan Maric...probably spent alot of time around him...or maybe it's just the Croatian heritage.

 

[THE_GUN]

I have loved this Kid since before he was drafted and the fact he fell to us at #25 was just amazing,Balta will be a monster to deal with for opposition teams in 1-2 years when he knows more about the type of game he is required to play and gets a bigger tank.


Thanks Lids

 

[CaptchaProofBot]

Beast Mode...

 

[Tforce]

He needs to be settled in one position and not thrown around like a rag doll. It's doing him no favors.

 

[DoItForCaptBlood]

I have loved this Kid since before he was drafted and the fact he fell to us at #25 was just amazing,Balta will be a monster to deal with for opposition teams in 1-2 years when he knows more about the type of game he is required to play and gets a bigger tank.


Thanks Lids

Same.. I wanted him with our 1st. We took Higgins...fair enough. Then when we took CCJ with our 2nd I was WTF, disappointing. Wrapped he was available and we took him finally we our 3rd.

 

[Del65166]

Balta reminds me of a raw Kouta...

Kouta? meh! more like Chuck Norris

 

[sante]

I hope he isnt dropped for Jack

 

[Del65166]

He needs to be settled in one position and not thrown around like a rag doll. It's doing him no favors.

on the wing. give him proper minutes and see how he goes. 60% game time is not preferrable.

 

[Drofder]

We could see huge improvement quickly if we keep playing him. He has a fearsome pack mark in him. Just starting to see glimpses as his confidence grows.

 

[CaptchaProofBot]

Kouta? meh! more like Chuck Norris

the build/hair reminds me of Blanka

 

[Monjike]

He needs to be settled in one position and not thrown around like a rag doll. It's doing him no favors.

Who could ragdoll him?

 

[tugga]

Kicks like a mule and is quick for a big bloke. I likey.