Richmond has locked away the rising star that will hopefully be the club’s next “No.1” after Dustin Martin departs.
The Tigers on Tuesday announced a five-year contract extension for Shai Bolton, 24, which ties him to Punt Road until the end of the 2028 AFL season.
He has already cemented his place among the game’s elite talents, and the Tigers hope he can be the long-term replacement for Martin’s X-factor.
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Martin, 31, has two years remaining on his contract, but speculation is rife he won’t see that deal to the end.
The three-time Norm Smith Medallist was undoubtedly the best and most influential player in the competition, but a serious kidney injury in 2021 followed by ongoing hamstring issues in 2022 – as well as the death of his father earlier this year – have left his career in the black and yellow in limbo.
Richmond is determined to keep Martin, but with his career winding down, Bolton is the heir apparent to that throne.
In July, Geelong great Cameron Mooney tipped Bolton to overtake Martin as the club’s leading man.
“We’re seeing a genuine football star just rise in front of our eyes this year,” Mooney said.
“If Dusty (Martin) does decide to leave, this man will take over the mantle as their No.1.
“Wait until he gets 100-150 games under his belt, throw him unto the midfield, he’ll destroy teams.”
Bolton earned his first All-Australian guernsey this year by averaging 18 disposals per game and booting 43 goals for the Tigers.
He ranked No.3 in the AFL this year for score involvements.
“I have loved the club since I got drafted,” Bolton said after re-signing.
“I love the culture here, all the boys, the coaching staff and playing at the MCG.
“It was pretty easy to decide in the end … I am super excited to stay here.”
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