Shai Bolton Biography

The Dockers complete a trade to acquire Shai Bolton from Richmond.

Bolton, 25, will return to Western Australia after the Dockers agreed to send the Tigers picks No.10, 11 and 18, with Richmond giving pick No.14 and a future third-round pick back to Fremantle.

"His ball use, creativity, speed and ability to break lines makes him such a dangerous player," Dockers list boss David Walls said.

"He just has flair and X-factor that will give teammates an immediate lift. He's also really durable and consistent, finishing top five in Richmond’s B&F for the last five years."

The Dockers and Richmond are involved in a standoff for Shai Bolton. Fremantle's offer of picks No.10 and 18 has so far been rebuffed as the Tigers' hold firm on their request for No.10 and 11, with negotiations now moving into week two of the Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

Richmond president John O'Rourke praises Nathan Broad for his loyalty to the club while taking a subtle swipe at a quartet of departing Tigers players.

Three of four players who want to leave Richmond in the off-season finished in the top five of the best and fairest on Tuesday night, won by Daniel Rioli.

Rioli, who wants to reunite with Damien Hardwick at Gold Coast next season, polled 40 votes, while Liam Baker and Shai Bolton, who both want trades to Western Australia, tied for fifth with 30 votes each.

Dual premiership-winning midfielder Jack Graham is also expected to leave the Tigers, who finished last this season with just two wins.

O'Rourke lauded Broad, who won his second straight Francis Bourke Award, as the person who best upholds the club's trademark values.

"Just by way of example … how fortunate are we to have players of the character of a Nathan Broad," O’Rourke said at the best and fairest count.

"I know through this year, I’m sure he could have explored options to see out his career in his home state or perhaps look for more lucrative options with other clubs. But he chose to extend for a further two years ... what a Richmond man."

Shai Bolton signs a five-year contract extension to remain with Richmond until the end of 2028.

The 24-year-old dual premiership player received his first All-Australian honours in 2022, rewarded for a career-best year as a dominant roaming forward and stoppage player.

"I have loved the Club since I got drafted. I love the culture here, all the boys, the coaching staff and playing at the MCG," he said.

"It was pretty easy to decide in the end … I am super excited to stay here."

Shai Bolton wins goal of the round for round four of 2022.

Shai Bolton wins the 2021 Mark of the Year.

Bolton leapt high and sprung off Geelong tall defender Mark Blicavs' shoulders to soar even higher, then gracefully landed on his feet to claim one of the most acrobatic marks in recent years.

Shai Bolton signs a new 2-year contract extension with Richmond to remain at the club until the end of 2023.

"We take football seriously, but it is kind of a different thing at Richmond, where we have a tight group and have fun with each other. We make football fun and that is why I like it at Richmond," Bolton said.

Shai Bolton and Daniel Rioli are involved in a nightclub altercation that has left Bolton with a fractured wrist.

Richmond coach Damian Hardwick said the club did not condone violence but had cleared the pair of wrongdoing in the circumstances after a thorough investigation.

"A player's partner was put in a situation she didn't feel comfortable with and Daniel stood up and tried to eradicate the situation and was punched in the eye," Hardwick told Fox Footy.

"I don't condone violence, but the reality is if you put anyone in that situation they're going to stand up for their partner and their mates.

"Shai was the same. It was a difficult situation. It's not one we ideally want to be in. But the reality is we are where we are."

Shai Bolton signs a new two-year deal with Richmond to remain at the club until the end of 2021.

Bolton had significant interest to return to his home state in Western Australia but has re-committed to the Tigers in a show of faith for their role in his maturity in recent seasons.

Shai Bolton is the round 17 AFL Rising Star nominee.

Bolton has played a career-high 10 games this season, gradually making the move from the forward line to the midfield as the year has progressed.

"The coaching staff and 'Dimma' (coach Damien Hardwick) told me I needed to work on my fitness and defence to get into the senior side," Bolton told AFL.com.au.

"I went back home (Perth) and got a personal trainer to help me out. I worked on [the fitness side there] and then when I got back to pre-season, I focused on my defensive skills and tackling.

"At the start of the season I was playing VFL in the midfield, and I wanted to learn my craft there. Being around the ball more helps me perform more and I just play my best footy in the midfield."

Shai Bolton signs a new one-year deal to remain at Richmond in 2019.

"We put talks on hold until the end of the year but that was more so Shai could concentrate on his football and developing his game," Bolton's manager Ralph Carr said.

"He loves the club, loves the facilities – Richmond has the best indigenous facilities in the AFL – and he can't wait to return for the pre-season."

Shai Bolton makes his AFL debut for Richmond with 9 disposals (3 kicks and 6 handballs), a mark and 3 tackles in a 3-point loss to GWS.

Shai Bolton will be unavailable for AFL selection until round five after the Tigers accepted he would need to serve his VFL suspension in round one of the state league competition.

The small forward was charged with striking Northern Blues opponent Tom Williamson in a VFL practice match, pleading guilty on Monday and accepting a one-match ban.

Bolton will need to serve the suspension in round one of the VFL season, which coincides with the AFL's round four, making him ineligible for senior selection for the next three weeks.

Richmond select Shai Bolton with pick No.29 in the 2016 National Draft.

"He brings a great deal of flair and speed," Richmond recruiting manager Francis Jackson said.

"He was exceptional in the carnival and has played well in big games. An opportunist he is not yet 18."