Richmond urged not to consider Freo’s “stunning” Bolton raid… unless it’s “something extraordinary”

Fremantle is reportedly scheming a “stunning trade raid” on Richmond.

Aside from the Dockers’ continued interest in co-vice captain Liam Baker, it is understood that they are plotting a move for Shai Bolton as well.

The two-time premiership player is contracted until 2028 yet still the Dockers are showing considerable interest, according to Channel 9’s Xander McGuire.

“Fremantle is planning a stunning trade raid on Richmond,” McGuire said on Channel 9.

“Despite being contracted until the end of 2028 the Dockers have launched a bid to recruit Shai Bolton.

“I understand the 25-year-old West Australian, who is arguably the face of Richmond’s rebuild, is weighing up the advance.

“It comes as the Dockers also pursue Liam Baker.

“Key to this ambition is Fremantle’s draft hand. They have Collingwood and Port Adelaide’s first-round picks along with their own.”

In reaction to the report, Kane Cornes wondered if the Tigers would even bother considering a trade for West Australian native Bolton.

The 25-year-old is arguably the cub’s only legitimate A-grader, now that Dustin Martin is in the twilight of his career, and losing a player of his ilk would badly hurt the rebuild.

The only way Cornes would consider it, if he were the Tigers, would be if Freo offered something remarkable in terms of draft capital.

“It’s a big go to try and get him,” Cornes said on SEN’s Sportsday.

“You’d hate to think the amount of money that they (the Dockers) would offer.

“There’s a rebuild that needs to happen, but I’m not sure it’s the right strategy to give away probably your most talented player who is contracted until the end of 2028. Unless there’s something extraordinary.

“We know the Dockers are stacked with first-round picks, they’ve done well in that space. Maybe they’ve turned their attention away from the likes of Logan McDonald, they’re happy with their key position players, and they’re trying to raid the Tigers.”

Fremantle currently holds a trio of first-round selections in this year’s draft after trades with Collingwood and Port Adelaide delivered them two.

Bolton returns from concussion for Thursday night’s clash with the Crows in Adelaide.

He signed a five-year extension in late 2022 tying him to the Tigers until the end of 2028.