Shai Bolton

Shai Bolton was born on December 8, 1998. He began his professional Australian Rules Football career after being drafted by Richmond at pick No. 29 in the 2016 NAB AFL Draft. Bolton quickly established himself as a key player for the Tigers, participating in 135 games during his eight AFL seasons with the club. His early career saw him contribute to Richmond’s success, notably playing in their premiership-winning teams in both 2019 and 2020. Throughout his tenure at Richmond, he kicked a total of 165 goals.

Bolton’s individual achievements include being nominated for the AFL Rising Star award in 2019 and winning the AFL Mark of the Year in 2021. In 2022, he earned an All-Australian blazer, recognizing his performance among the league’s top players. His consistent impact was further demonstrated by his record in Richmond’s Jack Dyer Medal, where he achieved five consecutive top-five finishes from 2020 to 2024, including a third-place finish in 2023. He also led Richmond as their leading goalkicker in 2024.

In 2024, Bolton moved to the Fremantle Dockers via a trade with Richmond. This transition marked a new phase in his career, bringing his experience and skill set to the Western Australian club. His arrival at Fremantle was met with anticipation, as he joined the team as a seasoned player with a history of significant contributions and individual accolades.