Dockers star recruit Bolton keeps lid on flag hype

Shai Bolton won't go so far as to say he'll be the difference in Fremantle's chase for the ever-elusive premiership flag.

Bolton has already been heralded as the star who can help make the Dockers genuine contenders next year, after Justin Longmuir's side fumbled a top-eight finish in the final round of the 2024 home-and-away season.

Fremantle's prize recruit has a devastating effect on the opposition, with the two-time premiership Tiger and 2022 All-Australian forward kicking 165 goals from 135 AFL games.

Dockers captain Alex Pearce has already lauded Bolton as their "unique" weapon, but the 26-year-old was a humble figure when he fronted the media for the first time since making the move west.

"I don't want to put too much pressure on myself," Bolton said on Monday.

"I just want to connect with my teammates and play good football."

Asked what he envisioned his role to be at his new home, Bolton said: "Whatever the coach wants me to play.

"I'm guessing it's going to be like a mid-forward or forward. I don't really mind, just whatever the team needs."

Returning to his Western Australian home after eight years at Richmond, Bolton will be the first son of a Fremantle player to play for the club.

His father Darren played two games for the club in 1999, alongside Longmuir.

Bolton is already a star on Fremantle's home deck, having kicked 21 goals from nine games at Optus Stadium.

"I just think, playing in front of family and friends ... in Melbourne, I only really had my partner, and my family will come over maybe for the Dreamtime game," Bolton said.

"Just that feeling that my son and my family and my cousins, everyone's there, it kind of just feels like playing junior football.

"You just go out, be free and have fun. All your family are in the stands and you just feel energised.

"(Richmond) knew my circumstances. Obviously, I've got a young family and my partner is from here. They kind of understood."

While reuniting with family was the main draw for Bolton's move, an opportunity to play alongside childhood hero Michael Walters was the cherry on top.

"We had the Indigenous camp a while ago, and he's always kept in contact with me," Bolton said.

"He was the man on the track today. As a young fella growing up, watching him play football, I idolised him, and it's good to play with him now, and hopefully we get a couple games together."