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Richmond star Shai Bolton has signed a contract extension until the end of 2028 in a huge show of faith in the club’s AFL premiership future.
Off the back of a career-best season, two-time premiership player Bolton, 24, has added another five years to his deal to remain at Punt Road long-term.
Bolton has previously been linked to a return to his home state of Western Australia and would have again attracted interest when his contract expired next season.
The electrifying forward/midfielder’s long-term commitment is a huge boost to Richmond, who are revitalising their on-ball brigade on the run in a bid to return to the AFL’s upper echelon.
The Tigers, who made an elimination final exit in 2022, recruited GWS pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper on long-term deals via the trade period while Bolton can play both up forward and through the middle.
In 2022, he earned a maiden All-Australian selection after booting 43 goals while averaging 17.5 disposals and 3.6 clearances.
(Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
“I have loved the club since I got drafted. I love the culture here, all the boys, the coaching staff and playing at the MCG,” Bolton said in a statement.
“It was pretty easy to decide in the end… I am super excited to stay here.”
Bolton has played 90 games since he was drafted at pick No. 29 at the 2016 AFL draft, booting 100 goals.
He won premierships with Richmond in 2019 and 2020.
“Shai is such an important part of our football program because of the person and player he is, so to have him commit for the next five years is brilliant news for everyone involved,” Tigers list boss Blair Hartley said in a statement.
“He has worked tirelessly to elevate his game in each season he’s had with us. We are excited about what he can achieve individually and with us as a team as he continues to flourish as a footballer and leader.”
© AAP
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