It’s a mutual admiration society between Shai Bolton and Isaiah Dudley as they prepare to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round at Optus Stadium.

Fremantle and St Kilda will clash under the Friday night lights as part of Indigenous Round, with the Dockers adopting the name Walyalup and Saints becoming Euro-Yroke.

Dudley and Bolton have been key additions since joining the Dockers last season, giving them energy and skill. pressure and goals.

“I love playing with Duds,” Bolton said.

“He does the little things and also gets in and under. He’s a super special player. The club drafted him for a reason. This year he has got fitter and he’s in shape. He’s playing his best footy. He’s one of our top pressure players. That’s what we love about him.”

Both men performed well in the first weekend of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, with Dudley kicking one goal and Bolton lighting up the game in the midfield.

Dudley said he’d learnt a lot from the former Richmond star.

“He’s obviously been in super form. The way he attacks training and the way he sets his week up show why he’s been performing well on game day. It’s a credit to him,” Dudley said.

Such is the importance of Sir Doug Nicholls Round, Dudley is preparing for several family members to travel to Perth from South Australia to be at Optus Stadium.

Dudley said he grew up hoping he could play AFL and be part of the celebration of Indigenous culture.

Bolton’s record during Indigenous Round shows what it means to him. He was best on ground when Dreamtime at the G was played in Darwin during 2020. His record during those games against Essendon was always strong before returning to Western Australia.

He was also best on ground during Indigenous Round last season when he had 24 disposals and kicked 3.3 during Fremantle’s interstate victory over GWS.

Bolton is eagerly looking forward to Friday night.

“It means a lot to my family and me,” Bolton said.

“It’s a special round, and we love playing in it, especially us Indigenous mob. All of our family gets to come and watch it. We all come together and watch. It is super special.

“(Sunday’s game against Essendon) was obviously an away game, but all of our family were watching. I feel proud to play AFL football as an Indigenous kid. I love playing in those games. If I can play my best, I try.”