Richmond recruiting boss Matt Clarke is confident Bolton can play Round 1 (HS)

[one-eyed]

Richmond recruiting boss Matt Clarke is confident Shai Bolton can play for the Tigers in Round 1

Michael Warner,
Herald Sun
November 26, 2016

RICHMOND cast aside a tumultuous week by adding another blistering small forward to its ranks.

The Tigers surrendered their first-round pick in a trade for Dion Prestia but claimed South Fremantle speedster Shai Bolton at pick 29.

Bolton caught the eye with a bag of seven goals in the WAFL late this season.

New Tigers recruiting boss Matt Clarke said the prospect of Bolton and Daniel Rioli roaming the forward line in tandem was mouthwatering.

“It changes our dynamic and we think Shane Edwards is going to continue to do that, too,” Clarke said.

“Daniel is more an aerobic beast, whereas Shai is going to play a bit closer to goal.

“His agility is amazing and he likes to jump on heads, but he probably won’t be allowed to do that. There are probably elements of Steven Motlop in what he can do - that ground ball twist and turn type of thing.”

Asked if he could play Round 1, Clarke said: “Yeah, I think he could. One of our guys is pretty confident he can. You don’t want to put any pressure on him but you don’t want to hold them back at all either.

“One thing about the coach (Damien Hardwick) is, if he thinks they are ready to go he’ll play them.”

The Tigers took big-bodied SANFL midfielder Jack Graham at pick 53 and Murray Bushrangers tall defender Ryan Garthwaite with their final selection (72).

Francis said Graham, this year’s Larke Medallist as best player in the national championships, could have an immediate impact at senior level.

“He’s a good character kid and a good leader,” he said.

Clarke said Garthwaite, likened to Hawks defender James Frawley, needed to work on his kicking technique but was rarely beaten one-on-one.

“He’s never going to be an elite kick by any stretch, but if we can get him to be a competent, safe kick at AFL level it will be good because he can really play on the big boys and compete,” Clarke said.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-recruiting-boss-matt-clarke-is-confident-shai-bolton-can-play-for-the-tigers-in-round-1/news-story/3f6b64e4927205f5a043f103b0e97f9e

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Hardwick thinking a player is ready isn't always aligned with when that player is actually ready. Ask Anthony Miles

[bigtigercasey]

I wonder whose position he would take? Shed? Lloyd? Or is he our Lids replacement?

[tony_montana]

why wont he be allowed?

To flamboyant for our vanilla/sterile style of footy?

[Diocletian]

Like how Clarke basically wrote off Garthwaite ever being a great kick before he's even arrived at the club.....that's usually our job....

[(•))(©™]

Groundhog Day at the asylum.

[🏅Dooks]

Like how Clarke basically wrote off Garthwaite ever being a great kick before he's even arrived at the club.....that's usually our job....

Probably has inadvertently destroyed the kids confidence #lockerroomanxiety

At least Collingwood nursed James Manson to a premiership.

Lmao

[the claw]

Hardwick thinking a player is ready isn't always aligned with when that player is actually ready. Ask Anthony Miles

Ask most of the kids on the list. Only time hes given em a decent go is when he been dragged kicking and screaming and forced to play em.

Ah the elephant in the room just gets bigger.

[wayne]

Shai Bolton in the back pocket round 1 will release Short to the forward line 

[Rodgerramjet]

I just really hope that the boys natural ability and flair are not smashed out of him by the Richmond so called development program.

[YellowandBlackBlood]

I just really hope that the boys natural ability and flair are not smashed out of him by the Richmond so called development program.

Very different coaches around now so he has a chance. Hardwick isn't hands on with their development so they have a chance.

[big tone]

I just really hope that the boys natural ability and flair are not smashed out of him by the Richmond so called development program.

Very different coaches around now so he has a chance. Hardwick isn't hands on with their development so they have a chance.

Stop kidding yourself YBB.
It's Halfwits game plan regardless of who holds the whiteboard.

[YellowandBlackBlood]

I just really hope that the boys natural ability and flair are not smashed out of him by the Richmond so called development program.

Very different coaches around now so he has a chance. Hardwick isn't hands on with their development so they have a chance.

Stop kidding yourself YBB.
It's Halfwits game plan regardless of who holds the whiteboard.

The game plan will be very different in 2017. Wait and see.

[Owl]

[big tone]

I just really hope that the boys natural ability and flair are not smashed out of him by the Richmond so called development program.

Very different coaches around now so he has a chance. Hardwick isn't hands on with their development so they have a chance.

Stop kidding yourself YBB.
It's Halfwits game plan regardless of who holds the whiteboard.

The game plan will be very different in 2017. Wait and see.

Well let's hope so...