Balta, Riewoldt star in Richmond AFL win

Noah Balta has produced an eye-catching three-goal display for Richmond in their 25-point pre-season win over Hawthorn in Tasmania.

The Tigers produced a blistering start to lead 46-13 at the first change before finishing 14.10 (94) to 9.15 (69) victors in a torrid hit-out before round one.

Balta, whose 2021 was derailed by an ankle injury, appears set to be pushed forward by Richmond this season from his usual spot in defence.

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The 22-year-old slotted two goals in the opening quarter on Saturday afternoon at Devonport Oval and finished with seven marks, two of them contested.

Richmond's Ivan Soldo sent a scare through his camp when the ruckman came off limping after twisting his ankle in a third-quarter contest.

He had it heavily strapped but returned to the field not long afterwards.

Teammate Dion Prestia spent time off the field with ice on his hand after a collision but also returned to the paddock, while Tigers co-captain Dylan Grimes appeared to cop a knock but also returned.

Hobart-born Jack Riewoldt finished with three goals in front of a sold-out crowd of 8412.

The match acted as a fundraiser for the families affected by December's Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy in which six students were killed and three others badly injured.

Josh Ward (29) finished with the most disposals for Hawthorn, who were without the rested Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara.

Last year's No.7 draft pick also picked up four marks and six clearances in a performance that made a strong case for his inclusion in round one.

The Tigers opened up an 85-39 advantage heading into the final term, with Hawthorn slotting four goals in the last quarter to reduce the margin.