Richmond coach Adem Yze says all the scrutiny surrounding Noah Balta is worth it, declaring that he is a "Richmond man".
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Yze fielded the expected questions surrounding the availability of Balta this weekend, despite his sentencing hearing set for April 22.
The premiership defender has served his four-game suspension and then was given an extra week outside the senior side, featuring in the VFL's exhibition game against an U18 Australian representative team.
"He's available to play this weekend," Yze said.
"He got through what he needed to get through. He'll get through training today, and as a match committee, we'll go through that later today."
Yze was steadfast in his defence of Balta, saying that there comes a time when his punishment should end.
"I understand there's opinions, but he's served his suspension," Yze said in defence of Balta.
"We went really hard with doing so, and he's been dealing with that for three months. He missed another game of footy. So we've suspended him for four, and now he's had five weeks out. We've just got to make sure we're looking after the player as well.
"As a footy club, we've already punished him. We don't want to keep punishing him."
Sam Lalor is expected to return to face Gold Coast after he was withdrawn from last week's contest, flagging a minor hip issue.
The prized pick was seen training at full capacity and looked lively in the drills, pressing his case for a recall.
Fellow draftee Josh Smillie will be given another week in the reserves as he builds his loads from a hamstring injury.
Smillie featured alongside Balta in the club's VFL match last weekend on limited minutes, but won't be held back this weekend against the Frankston Dolphins.
"That was Josh's plan," Yze said.
"Around, not only volume of training, but making sure when comes in and he's available, that he's ready for a long time.
"So he'll have a full game this weekend."
Judson Clarke is expected to feature in the VFL next weekend after overcoming an ACL injury from last year.
