Changes for the Prelim Final?

[one-eyed]

Bolter Bolton? Speedster 'a level above' in VFL

afl.com.au
20 September 2017

EXCITING Richmond forward Shai Bolton has played "above the level" for the past month and could easily slot into the senior side if called upon for Saturday's preliminary final against Greater Western Sydney, VFL coach Craig McRae says.

Bolton was taken with the No.29 selection in last year's NAB AFL Draft and has lined up in six matches since making his debut in round nine.

He played five consecutive games before being dropped, and most recently played in the round 19 win against Gold Coast.

Fellow small forward Jason Castagna has played in every match this season in Damien Hardwick's team, but had just six disposals in the qualifying final against Geelong, and often fumbled when he had a chance to win the footy.

However, his defensive pressure has won him plaudits.

McRae told reporters on Wednesday that Bolton had been in exceptional form in the lead-up to Sunday's VFL Grand Final.

"He's had an outstanding month. His defensive stuff is really stacking up and I think he's really matured in the 12 months he's been with us. He's still only 18 years old, and he's a young player on the rise," McRae said.

Despite Bolton's inexperience, McRae expected the West Australian could make the adjustment.

"You'd hope to think so. We talk about playing above the level at VFL for our AFL players, and he's had a month where he's played above the level," McRae said.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-20/bolter-bolton-recruit-a-level-above-in-vfl-coach

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Who's out? Selection puzzlers for the prelims

Dinny Navaratnam
afl.com.au
21 September 2017

RICHMOND

Injuries: Nathan Drummond (knee)

Under the pump: Forwards Jason Castagna and Jacob Townsend. Castagna's inability to find the ball is balanced by his hardness and pressure, while Townsend has been prolific, with 13 goals from just three games (and 31 disposals). Do they win the ball enough?

In the frame: Shai Bolton and Tyson Stengle have been performing in the Tigers' run to the VFL Grand Final.

Verdict: Castagna fumbled seemingly every time he touched the footy in the qualifying final and has had seven kicks in his past four games, but his pressure is the reason he gets a game. Bolton has pressed for selection though after what VFL coach Craig McRae called an "outstanding" month. After booting 11 goals in two matches leading up to the finals, Townsend had just three disposals against Geelong, although two of those were goals. It's hard to change a winning team, especially one that won as convincingly as Richmond did last start, so don't expect any changes.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-21/whos-out-selection-puzzlers-for-the-prelims