Shai Bolton’s proud mum says her son is living out his childhood dream after winning his second AFL flag

Katanning’s Shai Bolton starred in Richmond’s brilliant grand final victory as they claimed back-to-back AFL premierships after a strong comeback against Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday night. Bolton was born in Katanning but grew up in Mandurah and played all his junior football in Mandurah before joining South Fremantle in the WAFL. The 21-year-old emerging star played alongside Pingaring’s Liam Baker in the 12.9 (81) to 7.8 (50) Tigers triumph. Bolton was terrific up forward early in the game before his influence grew when he moved into the midfield in the second half, finishing with 16 disposals, seven tackles, four clearances, three marks, three inside-50s and 381m gained. The Tigers won their third premiership in the past four seasons, with Bolton claiming his second premiership medallion. His mother Kylie Pickett said she couldn’t be happier for her son. “I’m super, super proud, this boy is hitting all his milestones that he wants to achieve,” she said. “He always dreamed of being an AFL player, he’s only 21 and he’s already got two premierships. “I spoke to him tonight (Monday) and he was fourth for Richmond in the fairest and best, I don’t know what to say some of the time. “I think he’s had a brilliant year. “I just love watching my son, being back home in WA that’s what I look forward to. “The family get together and we just enjoy it.” Bolton’s father, Darren Bolton played two games for Fremantle in 1999 after winning Peel Thunder’s fairest and best in 1998. “Growing up he saw his dad play footy,” Pickett said. “From a baby when you could put a ball in his hand, that was it. “From there, he was walking around at his father’s games bouncing a football, he was never inside. “He’d be getting my dad outside to kick the footy until dark.” After 47 games with the Tigers, Bolton was recognised for his stellar season with fourth place in the Tigers’ fairest and best count, the Jack Dyer Medal on Monday night. He finished on 44 votes behind, winner Jayden Short (53 votes), three-time Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin (50) and Nick Vlastuin (49). Pickett hoped to have her hero back in WA soon to celebrate his success. “I think he celebrated with them the first night and after that was just pretty relaxed,” she said. “We’re trying to get him back home but the government’s rejected him a couple of times. “Every off-season, he comes home from Melbourne. As an Indigenous player it’s always important for them to come home to country. “They’ve put in another application but they’re just waiting for that.” Baker, who played junior footy with Lake Grace-Pingrup, collected 14 touches across half-back to go with four inside-50s, three marks, two tackles and 361m gained. The Pingaring premiership player finished sixth in the Tigers fairest and best with 42 votes.