BRILLIANT BOLTON RICHMOND’S ‘NEW DUSTY’Shai Bolton was simply unstoppable against the Power.
And if not for early and late inaccuracy, he could have finished with more than his equal career-high four goals at Adelaide Oval.
Bolton’s first came seconds before quarter time, with his second coming just seconds before the half time break.
He added a third late in the third term from a “clever” free kick before slotting his fourth on the run after marking in front of Dan Houston.
“He just oozes confidence Shai Bolton,” commentator Mark Ricciuto said.
“He’s almost a bit cocky.
“He was pinging them from everywhere pre-game, he knew he was in for a good night.
“He has got the ability to kick a big bag if he stayed forward. He could easily kick eight.”
Fox Footy’s David King said stopping Bolton’s influence was the “greatest conundrum” for opposition coaches.
“As soon as the ball leaves stoppage, he’s surging forward,” King praised.
“The tactical brilliance of Damien Hardwick – they created this role for Dustin Martin and it’s going next level with Shai Bolton.”
Commentator Jordan Lewis was shocked by the freedom the Power allowed him on Saturday night.
“(Ryan) Burton’s just not getting the match up done giving 6m to a guy that only needs a metre and a half,” Lewis lamented.
“It still amazes me no one puts body pressure on him. He’s allowed to run and jump at the ball.”
If not for his wayward goal radar, Bolton could have iced the match by three quarter time.
Bolton’s third goal came from a free kick he drew in the goal square.
“That’s clever – it was really clever. He realised Burton wasn’t he facing the ball. He was worried too much about Bolton. (And it) allows Burton to create the contact,” Lewis said.
“That’s the difficult part against Bolton. You are caught a little bit behind and you’ve got to try and face the ball, read the flight of the ball.”
Bolton finished with 4.5 from his 17 disposals.
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