Bolton WA signing after transfer request finally submitted… but Tigers will stick to contracted star
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Two-time Richmond premiership player Shai Bolton has requested a transfer to a Western Australian club at the end of the season. Herald Sun Report that put an end to months of speculation.
The 25-year-old’s future at the Tigers has long been under intense scrutiny given the poor 2024 season and the difficult rebuild ahead under Adem Yze. He has been linked with both West Coast and Fremantle, with the Dockers reportedly desperate to secure his services.
According to the Herald SunBolton’s decision to return home has family reasons: he and his partner are expecting their second child later this year.
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The transfer is likely to be one of the most complicated deals of the upcoming AFL transfer window, as the star midfielder/forward still has to complete a four-year contract with the Tigers that is reportedly worth over a million dollars per season.
Shai Bolton has requested a move to Western Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)
The Tigers have insisted that Bolton will not be traded under any circumstances, but the Dockers’ current selection of three first-round draft picks could tempt them to grant the 2019 and 2020 championship hero’s wish.
Richmond are expected to demand at least two first-round picks for Bolton, while the Dockers currently hold picks 9, 10 and 17 – their own first-round pick, as well as picks from Collingwood (as part of their trade for Lachie Schultz) and Port Adelaide.
Punt Road is facing an exodus at the end of the season, with out-of-contract Premier League players Liam Baker and Jack Graham set to join the Eagles, the latter as an unrestricted agent, and contracted Daniel Rioli being heavily linked with Gold Coast and a reunion with Damien Hardwick.
>> AFL transfer rumours: The latest on every player and every club
Bolton, who may play his final game for the Tigers in Round 24 against the Suns, has made 134 appearances in yellow and black since his debut in 2017, including victories in the 2019 and 2020 finals.
He won the Mark of the Year in 2021 and was named All-Australian after his best season in 2022, but was only able to produce his best performances in patches in 2024, scoring just seven goals in his last five games.