Noah Balta soars over the pack to take a big mark for Calder Cannons in a TAC Cup clash against Greater Western Victoria Rebels. Photo: AFL MEDIA
Footyology’s draft rankings – No. 18: Noah Balta
No. 18 – NOAH BALTA
Victoria (Calder Cannons)
Forward/defender
Born: 23/10/1999
Height: 194cm
Weight: 92kg
TAC CUP STATS
Disposals: 15
Kicks: 11.5
Handballs: 3.5
Kicking efficiency: 54%
Handball efficiency: 69%
Marks: 4.3
Tackles: 3.8
Goals: 0.9
One elite attribute: Athleticism. Tall, tough utility with incredible speed and leap; needs to improve his football nous to be trusted as an Alex Rance-like “general”.
Best-case comparison: Ben Reid
WHAT HE’S GOT
Athleticism: Balta has line-breaking speed to go with his impressive frame.
Toughness: Averaged almost four tackles per game in the TAC Cup and went over seven tackles three times – impressive for a man his size. Tackles to hurt.
Overhead marking: The Calder Cannon has a great leap and is fearless in the air.
WHAT HE LACKS
Game sense: Balta beat his opponents on physicality alone, which at the next level just won’t work. He needs to work on defensive positioning or, if he is going to play forward, develop his endurance base and running patterns so he can consistently provide an option.
Decision-making: Balta has a thumping kick, especially when he’s on the run, but seldom does he lower his eyes and hit up someone with more time and space.
