Suspended Richmond star Noah Balta has admitted an assault following an incident that left a man in hospital with a head injury.
As the AFL season nears, Balta's case came before a court at Corowa on Thursday, when a guilty plea was entered over the violent attack in the NSW-Victoria border town of Mulwala on December 30.
Police said a 27-year-old man had been taken to Yarrawonga hospital with a laceration to his head.
The 25-year-old Richmond Tigers star was suspended for four AFL matches on January 9 as a result of the incident.
"Noah deeply regrets being involved in the incident," Richmond chief executive Shane Dunne said in a club statement at the time.
"He has assisted the NSW Police in their investigation and he is keen to have the matter concluded as soon as possible."
Balta will remain out on bail before being sentenced at Corowa Local Court on March 27 following his guilty plea to a single charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
The 2020 premiership defender will be allowed to train with his teammates throughout his ban, which has been supported by the AFL.
"The AFL has been kept informed by Richmond of developments and is supportive of the club's response and sanction," the league said in a statement.
Balta is a key plank in Richmond's attempt to rebuild under second-year coach Adem Yze after signing a bumper seven-year contract in October.
The deal ties the 104-game defender to the Tigers until the end of the 2032 season.
