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.”
RT
Roar Rookie
That goes for almost any coach not in his first year.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Nope I think a credible case can be made that if Richmond aren’t successful this year then Hardwick will be under a fair bit of pressure
RT
Roar Rookie
I could guess you will be way off.
theirishman
Roar Rookie
He really knows his footy though.
sven
Roar Rookie
yep, even when an ump doesnt officiate in their granny he still manages to be the reason they lose the game
theirishman
Roar Rookie
Yeah-nah.
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Don’t I’ve got a coaching pressure gauge in the works and do you wanna guess where damo ranks?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
He's not that good. PR only. Took 4 years to get a regular game.
RT
Roar Rookie
A bit of self-reflection after your Richmond commentary?
Milo
Roar Rookie
Bit unfair on Don, oirish. Froe wouldve surely won every flag since 94 if they didn't have all those injuries, unfair fixturing, draft stacked against them and terrible umpiring decisions to cope with every single year...
Milo
Roar Rookie
RT Think he must mean Esserdon finishing ninth again (until they start losing finals again that is)
Milo
Roar Rookie
Amusing as always Donald
Charlie Keegan
Roar Guru
Don’t hate me cos you ain’t me
theirishman
Roar Rookie
He lived in Freo's backyard! You could have had him but Fyffed it at the draft. Sour grapes I suspect.
theirishman
Roar Rookie
They're fast becoming a team of discards. Not much future in that.
theirishman
Roar Rookie
Don't know much about Dusty, do ya? Would have won your lot a flag. Soooo glad he didn't, leaves you flagless . . . still.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Certainly more complete than Dusty but he'd never be worth 2 first rounders. The Only Tiger worth 2 first rounders would be their PR person.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Works a lot harder than Dusty.
The Iron Dingo
Roar Rookie
Already a top player with plenty of scope for improvement. Good move by the Tigers to shore him up - if they are to taste again in the short to medium term I suspect Bolton will be key to their success. A different but potentially as damaging player as Dusty.
Realist
Roar Rookie
Potentially as good or better than Dustin Martin....he actually is a more complete package but even though every other Team in the AFL would give up 2 first rounders to sign him, I agree, probably a silly move by Richmond!