Shai Bolton Joins Fremantle

AFLRATINGS NEWS: Shai Bolton has been traded to Fremantle.

He played 135 games for Richmond.

AFL News available now at aflratings.com.au

“We are really excited to secure a player of Shai Bolton’s ability, which is exactly what we need,”

“His ball use, creativity, speed and ability to break lines makes him such a dangerous player.”

“He just has flair and X factor that will give teammates an immediate lift.” Fremantle Head of Player Personnel David Walls.

Trade Details

Fremantle receive: Shai Bolton, pick 14, 2025 3rd Rd

Richmond receive: Picks 10, 11, 18

Fantasy Impact

Fremantle added a much needed forward threat in Shai Bolton, he will add speed and pressure to their F50 area of the ground with the ability to hit the scoreboard.

Bolton kicked 2 goals more in 11 of 22 (50.0%) games in 2024 at Richmond, he kicked 2 goals more in 7 of 23 (30.4%) games in 2023 and 16 of 23 (69.6%) games in 2022.

A Bolton move into the midfield at times will provide a different dynamic for Fremantle senior coach Justin Longmuir. He was used at 53.6% of team centre bounces for the Tigers in 2024.

Expect the fantasy scoring average to be reasonably solid for Bolton in 2025, that will be limited somewhat when playing forward as he will command a premium opposition defender.

Bolton can certainly hit high-ceiling games when left unattended through a midfield role or in a favourable forward matchup.