Bolton’s Fremantle move keeping it in the family

By JUSTIN CHADWICK 

Two-time Richmond premiership winner Shai Bolton says he’s looking forward to regularly playing in front of family and friends after moving to Fremantle.

Bolton’s trade from Richmond to Fremantle was months in the making and finally went through on Wednesday.

The Dockers gave up picks 10, 11 and 18 to the Tigers in exchange for Bolton, pick 14 and a future third-rounder.

Bolton grew up supporting Freo, and his father Darren Bolton played two games for the club in 1999 as a 22-year-old.

Although Darren was delisted later that year and never featured in the AFL again, his son Shai is already one of the league’s biggest stars.

Bolton won flags with Richmond in 2019 and 2020 and also snared an All-Australian selection in 2022.

The 25-year-old is excited to play for Fremantle in front of family and friends at Optus Stadium.

“Me and my pop grew up supporting Freo,” Bolton said.

“It’s a surreal feeling that I’m going to be finally playing in the purple.

“With my dad playing (for the club previously), it’s even more exciting. It’s like keeping it in the family.

“I’m just super excited.”

Optus Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for Bolton, who has kicked 21 goals from nine games at the venue.

“What I love about it is knowing you’re playing and all your family is sitting in the stands,” Bolton said.

“I didn’t have that in Melbourne.

“I just love playing at Optus. It’s that feeling of playing at home. It will be even better now playing in purple.”

He said he’s looking forward to linking up with Michael Frederick and Fremantle’s other speedy forwards.

Bolton’s arrival means the Dockers will start 2025 as one of the flag favourites, despite missing the finals this year.

AAP