Fremantle star recruit Shai Bolton has given a huge nod to teammate Isaiah Dudley despite being in the infancy of his AFL career, likening him to West Coast premiership player and Port Adelaide forward Willie Rioli.
Dudley joined the Dockers as an SSP selection in February after Odin Jones was moved to the long-term injury list and has quickly impressed in his short time at the WA club.
The low-possession, high-impact small forward made his debut in Round 3 against West Coast, slotting two goals from 10 touches, whilst recording six score involvements.
High-end draftee Murphy Reid has also made himself known to the AFL world after a dominant opening month to his time in the big leagues.
Reid has averaged 11.9 ratings points, 15.5 touches, 6.8 score involvements, two tackles and slotted five majors, including the four on debut.
All the while in the absence of veteran forward Michael Walters and Sam Switkowski.
"I feel like we have a dangerous forward line. They all play their roles, and we don't really focus on the goals, to be honest," Bolton said.
"They're both pretty smart. A lot of people compare Dudley to Willie (Rioli).
"Their IQ in the game is pretty good considering how young they both are โฆ they've obviously got a lot of talent.
"He (Dudley) doesn't need much of the ball to be dangerous, and I think, once he has more games under his belt, he's going to be pretty dangerous."
The young duo are complemented by Bolton's ability to run amok in the front half whilst also pinch-hitting in the midfield.
And the former Tiger says he is not done with yet, as he puts his pre-season injury woes in the rearview mirror.
Bolton returned to his damaging best against the Western Bulldogs, kicking two crucial goals from 14 touches, playing predominantly in the front half.
"I feel like I'm just getting fitter every time I play," Bolton said on Tuesday.
"Obviously I had those niggles, but I feel like I'm finally getting my fitness back and getting ready to run out games.
"Getting back into main training a bit more and playing with the boys more โฆ that's probably the main thing, just having the connection with the boys and trying to play my best footy."
Bolton says he expected some extra attention from his former teammates, especially defenders and "fiery" customers Nathan Broad and Nick Vlastuin.
"I'm just going to take it as another game and see how I go," Bolton said.
"The backline is pretty fiery."
