Bolton contract talks on hold

IF it’s good enough for Dusty, it’s good enough for Shai Bolton. Richmond’s livewire forward has decided to put his contract on hold until season’s end as he established himself in the Tigers team.

Like Dustin Martin, Bolton (pictured) is managed by player manager Ralph Carr, who negotiated a massive deal for the Brownlow medallist.

But while Bolton is happy at Richmond, it is his decision to postpone talks rather that a negotiating tactic from Carr.

West Australian Bolton is seen to be settled in Melbourne and happy with the support the club is providing him.

It is a departure from the common practice for younger players, who often want security from their clubs.

Carlton’s Paddy Dow has signed on for five years at Carlton while fellow top-10 pick Lochie O’Brien will also sign a two-year extension.

Of the players in Bolton’s 2016 draft, every one has signed a contract extension, many only weeks after being drafted.

Andy McGrath, Hugh McCluggage, Jack Bowes, Ben Ainsworth and Griffin Logue are all among those to commit to their clubs in the past year.

All of Richmond’s stars are in contract, while Nathan Broad and Reece Conca are yet to start contract talks with deals expiring this year.

Bolton was taken by the Tigers at pick 29 in the 2016 draft.