Fremantle recruit Shai Bolton has opened up on the reasons why he joined the Dockers after eight years at Punt Road with the Tigers, with hopes to create the same connection he had at Richmond with his new teammates.
The 26-year-old won two premierships with Richmond and played a career-best year in 2022, however, as the Tigers struggled, so did Bolton in a forgettable year for the livewire forward.
Traded to the Dockers for three first-round draft picks (and securing Pick 14 in return), Dockers fans will be hoping Bolton can reclaim his best footy, but the WA-born star isn't applying himself with the mental burden of expectations.
"I don't want to put too much pressure on myself, I just want to connect with my teammates and play good football," Bolton said.
"I just want to enjoy my football at home and have some fun."
Family was the strongest reason Bolton gravitated towards a trade to his home state, but he said the culture and connection that's building at Fremantle was a bonus to the move.
Having childhood idols around is another plus for Bolton's signing, now teammates with Michael Walters, who he kept in touch with throughout most of the 2024 season. Add in the factor of Fremantle being Bolton's boyhood club, the stars seemingly aligned for the Dockers to land the star talent.
"All the boys are pretty good they all welcomed my family just before I came to the club as well, they were just giving me messages, letting me know how good the culture is here," Bolton said.
"As a young fella growing up watching him play football, obviously I idolised (Walters). It's good to play with him now, and hopefully we get a couple games together," Bolton said.
"I supported them as a young fella, I idolised (Walters) as well, I think it's a good culture... they were all welcoming, that staff and everyone's all good here, so it was a pretty easy decision on my end."
Under a new structure with a new coach, Bolton said he is still adapting to Justin Longmuir's system as he aims to slot into the forward line or through the midfield.
"I'm still kind of new, still don't really know some of the setups. I'm still learning. Some similar wordings and stuff, I'm just excited to learn a new structure, especially with the forwards as well," the 26-year-old said.
"I just think what it comes down to is the connection with the boys... obviously, that will flow into the game."
Yet, connection with family is what will drive Bolton to achieve his best football ahead of his ninth season in the league. With relatives nearby, Bolton has the support network to thrive and feel reinvigorated with his football.
"In Melbourne, I only really had my partner, and my family would come over to maybe the Dreamtime game," Bolton said.
"Just that feeling that my son, and my family, and my cousins, and everyone's there. Just feels like playing junior football, and you just go out, be free, have fun. All your family in the stands, you feel energised, and it feels good."
Former teammates and now cross-town rivals Liam Baker and Jack Graham tried to convince Bolton to make a last-minute preference switch, but they soon realised Bolton was sticking by the Dockers.
"They did (try to persuade me to join West Coast), but they kinda knew my circumstances. Obviously, I've got a young family, and my partner's from here, and all of her family's here... so they understood."
After missing finals last year, the addition of Bolton will potentially be the X-factor boost needed to make a surge towards a maiden premiership. Fremantle's highly anticipated 2025 campaign kicks off in Round 1 when they take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
