I'd happily trade Bolton, I think he's a game changer that could take a side like Freo to the next level, but he's not the guy we need to build around at his age.Do you see Shai Bolton having a 3rd one at richmond anytime soon? Unlikely.
Do you see Shai Bolton having a 3rd premiership medal at richmond by the time he reitres? Always a possibility.
I dont know the full list of your playing squad.
Guys like Riewoldt and Cotchin retired. Dustin Martin is near the end of his career too.
The point is, Richmond fans think an out of contract Liam Baker is worth an early 1st rounder. Freo could offer All 3 2024 1st round picks this season and the 2025 1st rounder for Shai Bolton and Richmond fans still wont do the trade.
Shai Bolton turns 26 in december this season. Do you see Shai Bolton playing finals at Richmond as a 30 or 31 or 32 year old? Because this is what is likely to happen.
Richmond didnt play finals in 2023.
Richmond has a lot of picks in this 2024 draft. I know they will have at least 3 picks in the top 30.
Those 18-20 year old guys taken with those 2024 picks will be on the list in 2025. By 2028, those 18-20 year olds will be 22-24 year olds with 50-80 games under the belt. Shai Bolton will be 30 in december of 2028.
Ask your self this question.... Do you see Richmond turning this situation around very quickly?
I look at West coasts rebuild as an example. They havent played finals in 2021-23 and dead certain not to play finals in 2024. Tim Kelly turns 30 years old on July 26 this year. I can see Tim Kelly Playing finals at west coast as a 32 or 33 or even as a 34 year old. Him drafted as a 22 or 23 year old to the cats in tha 2017 draft might of been a blessing in disguise with all the travel the WA clubs do.
The point is though because of our leverage with his long contract, it must be for well overs. 2 picks in the teens wouldn't cut it, why would we bother.