WHO’S FLYING

Each week throughout the 2023 season we will present Who’s Flying, a series of stories which will encapsulate everything that is good about our great game. It could be a star player, a coach who has inspired his men or a team that is – pardon the pun – flying.

BRENDAN RHODES analyses

Shai Bolton’s return to form for Richmond last week.

Footy Fun Facts

Last week Brownlow medallist and leading football analyst Gerard Healy asked Shai Bolton for a lift if Richmond was to save its faltering 2023 season.

Bolton, 24, who is due to play his 100th match next week, was named in the 2022 All-Australian team after averaging 17.5 disposals and kicking 43 goals in 23 matches.

While the first seven matches of his 2023 season had yielded similar numbers, his impact had been reduced, having only kicked seven goals and not managed more than 22 touches in a game.

“He’s put together some sensational seasons, but right now would he be in the best three for the Tigers?” Healy asked on SEN radio before round eight.

“I can’t remember him having a huge influence on too many games this season, and he’s too good a player for that.”

It took just two days to get a response.

In a performance that would have West Coast fans cursing Healy for putting the spotlight on such a brilliant player, Bolton carved up the Eagles at the MCG on Saturday with 31 disposals (18 contested), eight marks, seven clearances, five inside-50s, 384 metres gained and 13 score involvements while kicking 3.2 himself.

It was a career-best disposal tally and his best game since round 17 last year, when he had 29 and three goals against Gold Coast, while he racked up 30 and three against the Eagles in round seven.

His performance, and that of GWS recruits Tim Taranto (30, 10 clearances, five tackles, two goals) and Jacob Hopper (32, 10 clearances, six tackles, nine inside-50s) ensured Richmond ran away in the last quarter to break a five-match losing streak and cling on to its finals hopes despite still being two wins behind the eighth-placed Carlton.

With tougher games against Geelong, Essendon, Port Adelaide, GWS (away), Fremantle (away) and St Kilda to come before the bye, it is imperative the Tigers maintain that form just to stay in touch.