Matthew Lloyd says Richmond would’ve risked losing Noah Balta to free agency if they didn’t offer him a long-term contract.

Richmond announced late on Thursday that Balta had signed a seven-year contract extension, tying him to the club until at least 2032.

Click PLAY to hear the latest 3AW Football trade podcast with Matthew Lloyd and Matt Granland 

Speaking on 3AW Football’s trade podcast, Lloyd said Balta could’ve left under free agency at the end of next season if they didn’t move to offer him a long-term extension.

“If you don’t offer (a long-term contract extension) – someone else is going to offer it,” Lloyd said.

“That’s the problem these current clubs have.”

Image: Getty