Noah Balta celebrates during the round eight match between West Coast and Richmond at Optus Stadium, May 2, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

RICHMOND coach Adem Yze intends to keep using Noah Balta as a forward-ruck, excited by the partnership he could form with Toby Nankervis when their captain returns.

Nankervis (hamstring) is stuck on an extensive injury list and will miss a seventh-straight game on Sunday when the Tigers (1-7) host Adelaide at the MCG.

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The raft of injuries has ravaged Yze's developing side, which was winless until last week's drought-breaking effort against West Coast in Perth.

But premiership defender Balta's move forward and into the ruck has been a positive, starting with an eye-catching display against Melbourne skipper Max Gawn a fortnight ago.

"We've thrown his magnet around over the last couple of years, but out of necessity while Nank's out we might have found something," Yze said.

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"He's been itching to help our team, not only to get a win but just to get our boys' spirit and fight back.

"Against 'Gawny' and Melbourne's potent midfield we were just scratching the surface, then he's gone and put a bit of work in with our mids and we got a nice performance again.

"Hopefully that grows and gets better over time, and then we might have a nice combination when Nank comes back as well."

Nankervis is not expected to be available for another three weeks.

Noah Balta after the round eight match between West Coast and Richmond at Optus Stadium, May 2, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Tim Taranto (concussion) will return to bolster Richmond's midfield against Adelaide, but veteran midfielder Dion Prestia (calf) is sidelined again and budding star Sam Lalor (Achilles) will miss at least two months.

Yze expects first-year midfielder Sam Cumming to push through his shoulder concern, with post-season surgery planned.

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"At no stage are we going to put him at risk," Yze said.

"He went through a strengthening program over four weeks and his last couple of weeks have been terrific for us.

"We're going to back our performance staff's call on this."

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Meanwhile, Yze said Richmond will support Nathan Broad if the three-time premiership defender chooses to move home to WA at the end of the season.

Broad, 33, qualifies as an unrestricted free agent this year, but whether he continues his career into 2027 remains to be seen.

"He's a required player for us and we'd love him to keep playing, but if it gets to a point where he feels like it's time for his family to move then we'll obviously support him through that," Yze said.