IT’S THE DUSTY AND SHAI SHOW
TWO of the AFL’s most watchable players will team up in the same forward line this year in what shapes as a mouth-watering attacking combination.
After managing just nine games last season because of injury and personal reasons, Richmond’s Dustin Martin is fit and firing in a new role as a more permanent forward.
There the Brownlow medallist will work alongside Shai Bolton, who had a breakout 2022 campaign, booting 43 goals.
The Tigers believe Bolton could have an even greater return this year if he can tidy up his accuracy, which was just 44.3 per cent last season.
Martin took Bolton “under his wing” when he first arrived at Punt Rd and the two clearly have a strong connection, which was on show during match simulation at training on Thursday.
The duo both had a hand in multiple scoring chains, including when Martin found Bolton lace-out with a lovely inside-50 kick. Bolton also showed a hunger for pressure and tackling, which were not his strong suit last year.
The new look on the track comes as a host of Tigers stars seek to time their run to round 1 as they remain on the outer when it comes to main training.
Key forward Tom Lynch (foot), defender Josh Gibcus (hamstring) and midfielder Jack Graham (toe) were all running laps and completing interval training throughout Thursday’s session as they nurse their way back from offseason issues.
Gibcus will miss the opening rounds but Richmond is confident that Lynch and Graham will be fit for the club’s season-opener against Carlton at the MCG on March 16.