The Dockers have completed a massive trade to land Tigers gun Shai Bolton
FREMANTLE has landed a huge coup, agreeing the terms of a trade with Richmond for gun Shai Bolton.
Bolton, 25, will return to Western Australia after the Dockers agreed to send the Tigers picks No.10, 11 and 18, with Richmond giving pick No.14 and a future third-round pick back to Fremantle.
The deal was agreed to by the two clubs on Wednesday morning and was ticked off by the AFL in the afternoon.
Bolton has signed a five-year deal, tying him to the Dockers until the end of 2029.
It is a massive boost for the Dockers, who will be desperate to rebound next year after missing the finals in 2024, while Richmond is set to land one of the biggest draft hauls in history.
The Tigers now hold picks 1, 10, 11, 18, 20 and 24 in this year’s draft and could get picks 6 and 23 as well in a trade with Gold Coast for Daniel Rioli later today.
The pick 14 that has gone to Fremantle from the Tigers originally belonged to Hawthorn. The Hawks traded it to Carlton last Friday before the Blues handed it to West Coast on Monday, with the Eagles then passing it on the the Tigers in exchange for Liam Baker.
A two-time premiership player, Bolton was an All-Australian in 2022, and led Richmond’s goalkicking this year.
Dockers list boss David Walls said Bolton “is exactly what we need”.
Shai Bolton in action during round two, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos
“His ball use, creativity, speed and ability to break lines makes him such a dangerous player,” Walls said.
“He just has flair and X-factor that will give teammates an immediate lift.
“He’s also really durable and consistent, finishing top five in Richmond’s B&F for the last five years.
“We still have picks in a really deep draft this year and we are also set up well for next year’s.”
Bolton, who is from Western Australia, indicated to the Tigers at the end of the season that he wanted to return to his home state, despite his long-term contract at Punt Rd.
“We completely understand Shai’s reasons for requesting a trade to Fremantle, but importantly needed to find a suitable trade that was of benefit to Richmond,” Tigers list boss Blair Hartley said.
“We are delighted to have significantly improved our draft hand ahead of next month’s draft.
“Shai departs a two-time premiership player and a key part of our period of success. He certainly had a profound impact during his time at Richmond.
“We wish Shai and his young family all the best for their future in Perth.”
GET MORE NEWS HERE
Leave a Reply