Shai Bolton appears set for a bumper new deal at Richmond.
According to The Herald Sun, the Tigers have opened early contract talks with Bolton’s new manager Anthony Van Der Wielen.
The Richmond star’s current deal runs through until the end of 2023 and is reportedly worth $600,000 a season.
Van Der Wielen told The Herald Sun: “We are very comfortable where things lie at Richmond at the moment. He’s contracted until the end of 2023.
“I’m in regular contact with Blair Hartley. When Richmond and Shai feel it’s appropriate, we will begin negotiations.
“I’m not sure exactly when that will be but it’s not what we are focused on right at this moment.”
Given Bolton’s match-winning talents and potential for further growth – how much is he worth?
SEN Breakfast co-hosts Garry Lyon and Tim Watson discussed the 23-year-old’s value.
Watson sung Bolton’s praises on Tuesday dubbing the midfielder-forward the most watchable player in the AFL right now.
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Lyon: “How much is he (Bolton) worth?”
Watson: “He’s an $850,000 player. He’s around an $850,000 to $900,000 player.”
Lyon: “You’ll get away with $900,000, but I need some security – how many years?”
Watson: “He’s only young … you’re going to have to give him at least five (years).
“Do you agree with me that he’s the biggest needle-moving player in the game right now?
“Is there anyone out there more capable of shifting the momentum in a game than what he currently is because of what he can do?”
Lyon: “He’s right at the pointy end.”
Watson: “Because he does go into the centre bounce, and he can get the ball out of there too because of his agility, speed and anticipation.”
Lyon: “The only thing he hasn’t been able to add to his resume is he needs to do it in big, big finals, which is hopefully coming for him this year.
“Because (Christian) Petracca’s done it in big finals, Dusty’s (Dustin Martin) done it in big finals.
“Those blokes elevate themselves into a whole different category because they’ve gone into Grand Finals and ripped them to shreds.”
Watson: “There’s no suggestion that he’s going to leave Richmond. I think he’s very happy there. I think he’s very comfortable in the environment they’ve created for him.”
Bolton starred in Richmond’s come-from-behind win over Brisbane last week finishing with 24 disposals, 711 metres gained, 12 score involvements, nine inside 50s and two goals.