Pick 29: Shai Bolton | PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum
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Pick 29: Shai Bolton

You could list Cyril Rioli's 30 disposal games on two hands. Probably one. Shai Bolton is not there and will not be paid $1m a season to accumulate. He is there to eff *smile* up.
Not even one finger, Cyril's most prolific game ever was 29 disposals (the equivalent to 60 disposals)
 
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A forward pocket that pinch hits in the midfield does not deserve a million per year. As much as we all love the flashes of brilliance, I'd much rather see a consistent Shai having the tank to play more midfield time and getting to the 25+ disposal mark. Will never be a massive accumulator but the Dusty model of the time spent playing mid-forward should be what he should be aiming for.
 
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I didn't say he isn't a star. I've been one of his biggest supporters. He's just not going to be worth $1m a year if he's playing forward pocket with stints in the midfield as he is now. If anyone thinks otherwise, all I can say is I'm glad you're not in charge of our contract negotiations and salary cap.
Didn't know your argument was based on the million dollar debate and i certainly haven't said that, as for only stints in the midfield a team high 5 clearances for Shai tonight, only reason he doesn't spend more time there is he is so good forward as well.
 
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Eliteness isn’t measured in disposals that’s nuffy talk , is Dunkley a better player than shai he gets it more ,,,it’s all about hurt factor
 
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Didn't know your argument was based on the million dollar debate and i certainly haven't said that, as for only stints in the midfield a team high 5 clearances for Shai tonight, only reason he doesn't spend more time there is he is so good forward as well.

I’m with you there Julius, I think the coaches need to keep tinkering with the mid / forward balance. I’ve also remembered that I think Burge said he was carrying a hip issue, maybe that’s why his minutes are being maanged?
 
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Don’t think there’s a more exciting player to watch in the game .

Would be very nice to have Dusty back to “ wax” with Bolton forward and midfield
 
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A forward pocket that pinch hits in the midfield does not deserve a million per year. As much as we all love the flashes of brilliance, I'd much rather see a consistent Shai having the tank to play more midfield time and getting to the 25+ disposal mark. Will never be a massive accumulator but the Dusty model of the time spent playing mid-forward should be what he should be aiming for.
I think we would all love to see more midfield time out of Bolton but it's becoming clear he doesn't have the engine to do that. If he can consistently be as damaging as he was last night, I am very happy for him to play that role. He makes opposition backmen very nervous.
 
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Don’t think there’s a more exciting player to watch in the game .

Would be very nice to have Dusty back to “ wax” with Bolton forward and midfield
I hopis Shai is talking to him about just that.
Adelaide would be a great place for him to resume.
 
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Unique player , such a Pleasure to watch him play
 
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The GOTY was a clone of Dusty’s last quarter gf goal vs the cats. Looked like the same pocket too.
Dustin's was a great goal but on his natural side. Bolton's on his opposite foot. Reminds me of a couple of Bartlett specials on the same side on his left. Outside of the high marking, Bolton has a lot of Bartlett about him.
 
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Unique. A joy to watch when he’s on song. High flier, burst of acceleration, side step evasiveness, clean hands, goal awareness.
A formidable skill set array with confidence to use them at the right time.
 
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Is it? Or is it that we need his goals?
Both I'd say. There's been plenty of opportunity for midfield time when for example Dusty was playing but he doesn't seem to be given that predominant midfield role even when we're struggling in the midfield. I conclude that he must not quite have the engine for a permanent midfielder role. Just my opinion.
 
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Unconditional love from me

When he gets it you just know the scoreboard is about to tick over one way or another
 
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Got me a gripe about Shai's game last night n it's been in his game since the start. Tends to get a little bit greedy sometimes n forgets he's got team mates around him.
Bloody brilliant young player, but I reckon he needs to get a smidgin of the Dusty share factor into his game at times. Dusty just as capable of kicking the breath taking near impossible goal but often there was the first peek to see if he could set up a team mate better.
 
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Unconditional love from me

When he gets it you just know the scoreboard is about to tick over one way or another
Hes an absolute freak and a genius and I am sure the games will come where he just tears it apart, 6g etc, but they don't happen every week.
 
Yep I must admit that thought crossed my mind last night it was a very similar deal.

Great goal.

The lad is a star and along with Balta and Gibcus right now our 3 untouchables going forward.

Already graduated to our 3 best players along with Prestia, and our absent Tiger King, and in this side of recent years considering some of the Tiger greats he has now overtaken in the space of 2 years that's is no small achievement.

Hats off to Shai and kudos as he knuckled down and took his cuts early doors in 2018 when trying to establish himself, it has now elevated him to one of the most exciting players in the comp.

Thank God we took him the pick before the Maggots were going to.
 
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With most games these days are bore to watch, Shai is a breath of fresh air, so exciting to watch. The game desperately needs more Shias out there.
And he’s going to take mark of the year again, it’s coming
 
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