I realise that in posting this I am going to look like a hypocrite. That only a couple of days ago I was having a crack at Karl Langdon for suggesting that Bolton was Freo bound. That is because only a little over a couple of weeks ago a close family contact to Bolton was saying how much he loved Richmond and was keen to stay.
Now that contact has suggested things have changed a bit. He loves Richmond but.....
Some people clearly don't know what Shai has overcome to make it at AFL level. I would doubt they'd make these sorts of comments if they did.
People should go and do some research on his background.
They might come to realise why his Mum and his Grandmothers are so important to him. You might also find out that they have been a massive part of his support structure while he has been at Punt Road let alone getting there in the first place. They often came over to Victoria to visit him prior to Covid.
No doubt Covid has made this so much harder, and at least one of his grandmothers is getting to the point where she can't make the trip anymore.
This is the same kid who designed our indigenous jumper last year with his family, with those very people who have supported him.
https://www.afl.com.au/video/487721...hFrom=1597816800001&type=video&videoId=487721
https://www.kgi.org.au/news/shai-bolton-and-family-design-richmonds-10th-dreamtime-jumper/
This is a kid who works with the Korin Gamadji Institute, and also with Culture is Life. This is a kid who is already emerging as a real leader of his people at the age of 22.
As recently as March, Ralph Carr was saying in the media that Bolton had pledged to stay at the Tigers. Now they are waiting until the end of the season. What has changed? I sincerely doubt that this is motivated by money.
Ralph Carr is no fool. He knows that staying at Punt Road is the best thing for Shai in terms of his football career and most likely Shai's life goals until his footy career finishes. He knows the Tigers want a deal and I would think are prepared to pay for it.
Of course Ralph is trying to get the best deal he can for Bolton, but my concern now is that he is trying to get the best deal from a WA club, not us. And that is because it will keep his client's options open at the end of the season.
If we lose Shai Bolton, we will have lost something far more special than just his footballing ability. Like every player on our list, he brings a lot more than just footballing ability.
And the point is, if Bolton leaves he is following his heart and his calling, not money. We just can't compete against that.