‘I just love it at the place’: Bolton a Tiger for two more yearsBy Celie Hay
The Age
August 5, 2021 — 2.01pmRichmond’s strong Indigenous culture has influenced Shai Bolton’s decision to recommit the club, where he will play until the end of 2023.
The lively midfielder has been a critical part of Richmond’s recent success, including a breakout year in 2020 when he finished fourth in the club’s best and fairest.
The 22-year-old said the “brotherhood” at Richmond and how the club embraced the Indigenous players motivated him to stay at Punt Road.
“I am happy to be at Tigerland. I have been so excited to be staying here (because) I love all the boys here,” Bolton said.
“We have got a very good Indigenous culture at Richmond as well, and I think it is getting even better. I just love it at the place.”
Richmond selected Bolton with pick 29 in the 2016 national draft and the West Australian has gone on to play 64 games across five seasons.
As the Tigers fight for a position in the top eight, coach Damien Hardwick said it was exciting for the club’s future to have young talent commit.
“It’s very exciting. He is a prestigious talent, as we know, and it’s great he’s committed to the club for the following years,” Hardwick said.
“He is a really exciting player and he is really, really young so we’re really excited about what he is now but more importantly, we’re very excited about what he can become.
“He has really started to come to his own and he’s a matchwinner by his own right but more importantly he makes us better by playing and by having him on the field.”
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/i-just-love-it-at-the-place-bolton-a-tiger-for-two-more-years-20210805-p58g5o.html