Shai Bolton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shai Bolton |
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Bolton in April 2025
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| Personal information | |||
| Date of birth | 8 December 1998 | ||
| Place of birth | Katanning, Western Australia | ||
| Original team | South Fremantle (WAFL) | ||
| Draft | No. 29, 2016 national draft | ||
| Debut | Round 9, 2017, Richmond v. Greater Western Sydney, at Spotless Stadium |
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| Position(s) | Midfielder / forward | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Fremantle | ||
| Number | 15 | ||
| Career highlights | |||
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Shai Bolton (pronounced SHAY; born 8 December 1998) is a professional Australian rules football player. He currently plays for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Before that, he played for the Richmond Football Club.
Shai was first chosen by Richmond in the 2016 draft. He made his AFL debut in 2017. He was the youngest player to debut for Richmond in nine years. Shai helped Richmond win two AFL championships in 2019 and 2020. He also won the Mark and Goal of the Year awards in the VFL in 2018.
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Shai's Early Life and Junior Football
Shai Bolton was born in Katanning, Western Australia. He grew up in Forrestdale, a suburb of Perth. Later, he spent his teenage years in Mandurah. Football runs in his family. His father, Darren Bolton, played a few games for Fremantle Football Club.
Joining the Elite Pathway
In 2013, Shai joined the Flying Boomerangs Indigenous Academy. This program helps talented Indigenous players. The next year, he started playing junior football for South Fremantle Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL).
In 2015, Shai had a back injury that kept him from playing much. But in 2016, his final year with the club, he played very well. He averaged 17 disposals (getting the ball) and two goals per game. In one game against East Perth Football Club, he even kicked seven goals!
He also played for Western Australia in the 2016 AFL Under 18 Championships. He kicked five goals during that tournament.
School and Pre-Draft Skills
Shai went to Wesley College (Western Australia) in Perth. He left after Year 11 to focus on his football career. At Wesley, he became good friends with future AFL players Sam Powell-Pepper and Quinton Narkle.
Before the 2016 draft, experts praised Shai's "blazing speed." They also noted his "natural instinct for the game." He impressed recruiters at a special pre-draft game. He showed off his speed and skill at the national draft combine. He came second in the running vertical jump test.
Shai's AFL Career
Playing for Richmond (2017-2024)
Starting Strong in 2017
Richmond picked Shai Bolton with their first choice in the 2016 AFL draft. He was the 29th player chosen overall.
Shai made his AFL debut in Round 9, 2017. He played against Greater Western Sydney at Sydney Showground Stadium. He was only 18 years old. He played six games and kicked three goals in his first season. He also played 14 games in the reserves league (VFL) and kicked 23 goals.
Building Skills in 2018
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In 2018, Shai played in Richmond's pre-season games. He even kicked three goals in one match. He played in the first two games of the season for the main team. However, he was then sent to play in the VFL.
While in the VFL, Shai showed off his amazing skills. He won the VFL's Mark of the Year award for a spectacular catch. He also won the Goal of the Year award for a brilliant goal. He kicked it from a tough angle, shrugging off tackles. He played three games in the AFL and 13 games in the VFL in 2018.
Breakout Season in 2019
Shai signed a new contract with Richmond after the 2018 season. Many thought he would have a great year. He started playing more in the midfield, not just as a forward.
He had a fantastic game in Round 8, kicking four goals against Fremantle. He was one of Richmond's best players. In Round 16, he played as an inside midfielder for the first time in the AFL. He had 26 disposals and kicked two goals. This earned him a nomination for the Rising Star award.
In the Grand Final, Shai helped Richmond win the AFL premiership. He had 11 disposals and kicked one goal. He also put a lot of pressure on the opposing team. This was a "breakout" season for him. He finished 18th in Richmond's best and fairest award.
Winning Again in 2020
Shai became a Richmond life member before the 2020 season. He had minor shoulder surgery but was ready to play. The 2020 season was shorter due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shai continued to play well. In Round 13, he was the best player on the field in the "Dreamtime in Darwin" game. He received the Yiooken Award for his performance. He had 29 disposals and a goal. He even helped design the Indigenous artwork guernsey (jersey) the team wore.
Shai played a key role in the finals. He kicked three goals in the semi-final win. One week later, he became a two-time premiership player. He had four goal assists and 16 disposals in the Grand Final. He finished fourth in Richmond's best and fairest award.
Moving to Fremantle (2025-Present)
After the 2024 AFL season, Shai asked to be traded to a team in his home state of Western Australia. He joined Fremantle on a five-year deal.
He made his debut for Fremantle in Round 2 of the 2025 AFL season. In Round 10, he was arguably the best player on the ground against Greater Western Sydney. He collected 24 disposals and kicked three goals. He received a perfect 10 coaches votes for that game.
How Shai Plays
Shai Bolton is known for his explosive speed and creativity. He plays as an inside midfielder, meaning he gets the ball in the middle of the field. He also plays as a small forward, trying to kick goals. He is very good at winning the ball in tough situations.
Shai's Achievements
Team Awards
- 2× AFL premiership player (Richmond): 2019, 2020
Individual Awards
- All-Australian team: 2022 (This means he was chosen as one of the best players in the league for that year)
- AFL Rising Star nominee: 2019 (Recognizes a top young player)
- Mark of the Year: 2021 (For the best mark, or catch, in the AFL)
- Yiooken Award: 2020 (Award for the best Indigenous player in a special game)
VFL Awards
- Goal of the Year: 2018 (For the best goal in the VFL, a lower league)
- Mark of the Year: 2018 (For the best mark in the VFL)
Shai's Family Background
Shai Bolton is an Indigenous Australian from the Noongar people. His father, Darren Bolton, played for Fremantle. Shai is also related to the famous Pickett and Krakouer football families.
