How Fremantle finally unlocked the best of superstar Shai Bolton as final piece of premiership puzzle

Fremantle have finally discovered exactly where Shai Bolton fits as the final piece of the premiership puzzle, and a former teammate says it’s as a midfielder where he is their “most dangerous player”. Bolton has been unleashed as a regular attendee at centre ball-ups in the past two games, and it has paid dividends, with the superstar producing his best performances for the club. The West Australian understands that Bolton and his manager, Anthony van der Wielen, had frank but positive discussions with the club last year about his role, which was the catalyst for the change. And there was no better sign of how much he is enjoying his footy than the viral moment he picked up the ball on the Optus Stadium wing and cameras caught him sporting an ear-to-ear smile. Bolton, 27, was solid in the round one defeat to Geelong with two goals from 16 disposals when he went into the middle only nine times, but has exploded into a near-unstoppable force since. He more than doubled his centre ball-up attendances against Melbourne (22) and went in there 15 times against his former side, Richmond, filling the midfield minutes left by an injured Hayden Young. And it’s no coincidence that in that time Bolton has been at his damaging best, averaging 32 disposals, four tackles, eight inside-50s, six clearances and a goal to lead the Dockers to successive victories. Bolton is starting to produce similar numbers to his All-Australian season of 2022 at the Tigers when he found the perfect mix of midfield and forward time. Former Docker Michael Walters – who handed his famous No.10 guernsey to Bolton in the off-season – said the dual premiership star could use his incredible talent to dominate in the middle. “He’s playing with a bit of flair because he’s playing in the midfield a fair bit, which gives him that licence to use his speed and break away from opponents,” Channel 7 expert commentator Walters said. “That is something that has enabled him to have a good start to the year because playing down forward can be tough for a small forward. “To have someone like Shai in there to distribute the ball but to also win it and use his pace to break away from stoppages is unbelievable.” Bolton’s introduction as a near full-time midfielder has added another dimension to an engine room that was already one of the AFL’s most dangerous. Vice-captains Caleb Serong and Andrew Brayshaw are known consistent commodities for coach Justin Longmuir, while Luke Jackson is still learning the tricky dual ruck-midfield role. Meanwhile, the standout form of second-year Docker Isaiah Dudley – who has kicked seven goals in three games – has ensured Fremantle aren’t missing Bolton’s impact as a pressure and goal-kicking small forward. Walters said while Bolton had a calm demeanour about him, he was a “competitive beast” who had the capability to be Fremantle’s best midfielder. “He works hard over pre-season, but he lets his footy do the talking. Everyone can see game day is the fun part for him,” he said. “Shai is definitely a showman without going overboard, and he is a player who puts bums on seats, and a lot of young kids love to watch him. “Although those boys (Serong and Brayshaw) are really good players, Shai Bolton’s done enough to solidify himself as an outstanding AFL player. He definitely complements those boys, and they complement him as well. “He’s a quiet achiever, he gets the job done even though a lot of opposition teams put a lot of work into him, and I feel like he’s Freo’s most damaging player, especially when he’s in the midfield.” Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said he was rapt with Bolton’s form. “He’s splitting his time, he’s impacting in all phases of the game, and he’s impacting wherever we put him,” Longmuir said. “With Youngy out, he’s fitted into Youngy’s role really well, and I couldn’t be happier with the way he’s going.” Bolton’s first year at Fremantle was solid without being spectacular. He averaged 18 disposals and a goal but finished outside of the top 10 in the Doig Medal count, which is not the return the club would have hoped to see after trading away two first-round draft picks to bring the excitement machine home. It was a role predominantly as a high half-forward, having averaged only 10.5 centre bounce attendances. And off the field, he was still finding his feet back in Perth, having welcomed a second child with partner Hasina at the same time the trade went through before they relocated to be closer to family. “He’s more settled, and in terms of last year, he wasn’t too bad. It’s hard to come from a team over east to a new one in Perth,” Walters said. “He had to find the way he wanted to play, but adjust to the game style as well. “This year, going into the midfield gives him a licence to use his smarts, use his speed and all the natural talent he’s born with, put it on display. “And then he can rest up forward because he’s a dangerous threat up there.”