AFL legend Dermott Brereton has urged one of the Western Australia clubs to try and lure rising Tigers star Shai Bolton.
Out-of-contract at the end of the season, the 22-year was drafted out of South Fremantle with Pick 29 in the 2016 AFL draft.
Speaking on SEN radio, Brereton believes the timing is perfect to make a play Bolton before his stocks skyrocket.
“If there was one midfielder you want to get on the rise before he does become an uber wage player, it’s Shai Bolton,” Brereton told SEN’s Bob and Andy.
“If I’m a Western Australian club, similar to what happened with Tim Kelly, I’m giving Shai Bolton a sweetheart deal to come home.
“How good is this kid? When he goes through the midfield right now, he’s an A-grader. He’s just got so many great midfielders in that team – (Trent) Cotchin, (Dion) Prestia, Dustin Martin when he goes in – so there’s the three starters if they have their own call about it.
“He’s an A-grader now. He’s electric, mate. He’s unbelievably good.”
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While it is unknown if Bolton would be tempted to move back home, his manager Ralph Carr told The Herald Sun last month that the exciting midfielder was keen to stay at Tigerland.
“My feeling is he won’t move from Tigerland. He will stay. He is a ripping kid and why would he want to go anywhere else," Carr told The Herald Sun.
"He has only just turned 22 and his breakout year is probably this year. He is a special player. He is just a beauty.”
Bolton enjoyed a breakout 2019 season where the livewire established himself in Richmond's best 22 with his energy and class with the ball.
The dual premiership player took his game to another level last year, finishing fourth in Richmond's best and fairest.
Bolton is averaging 20.6 disposals, 4.6 inside 50s and 5.2 clearances through five matches in 2021.