Shai Bolton is set to explode in the coming weeks, with the star Fremantle midfielder revealing he’s only been operating at about 70 per cent following a disrupted summer. Fremantle will be aiming to back up their 38-point western derby win over West Coast with victory over the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Bolton’s high-profile trade from Richmond to Fremantle at the end of last season was billed as being the move that would transform the Dockers into a premiership contender.
At 1-2, Fremantle’s start to the season has been underwhelming, with injuries to Hayden Young, Sean Darcy and Michael Walters severely hindering their cause. Bolton missed the 78-point loss to Geelong in round one due to a stress-related injury in his leg, and looked rusty in his 15-disposal display in the three-point loss to Sydney a fortnight ago. The 26-year-old showed more glimpses of his brilliance in his 21-disposal display against West Coast, with his 10 score involvements showing how important he will be to the side.
Bolton established himself as one of the league’s premier small forwards and midfield pinch-hitters in his time at Richmond, and Fremantle fans should be in for a treat over the coming weeks as the speedster’s fitness continues to improve. “I would say I’m probably at 70 percent,” Bolton told AAP. “I had a bit of bone stress on my leg in the pre-season.
It’s getting better every week. “(Against West Coast) was the first time it actually felt pret.
