Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was glowing in his praise of Shai Bolton following another brilliant performance by the Tigers excitement machine against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG last night.

Bolton played a pivotal role in Richmond’s 38-point win, finishing the match with 20 disposals, a team-high 13 contested possessions, an equal team-high five clearances, four inside-50s, four marks, four intercepts, two goals, a team-high 10 score involvements and 330 metres gained.

The second of Bolton’s goals, which he kicked during the third quarter at the Punt Road end of the ground (MCC members’ side), was one of the best you could ever see, and it will surely take something extraordinary to top it for the AFL’s Goal of the Year award.

“He can make some mercurial things happen,” Hardwick said in his post-match press conference.

“That left-foot goal, we actually said just before that he should centre this, but it went through.

“But that’s what the special ones can do.

“What I’ve been really impressed with is his defensive intent . . . He’s taken some time, but he’s starting to understand how that helps his offense, which is really important.

“His ability, in and out of clearance, is also quite remarkable, really.

“I was pleased with his game. He was very good again.

“He’s had a fantastic season to date.”

Here is a transcript of Channel Seven commentator Luke Darcy’s call of Bolton’s breathtaking goal, followed by special comments from Wayne Carey . . .

Luke Darcy: “(Castagna) Eyes still darting around. He decides just to pop it up. Riewoldt knew exactly when that was coming. Nearly grabbed it, Jack. (Bailey) Smith had his pocket picked. Shai Bolton, he couldn’t from there, could he? Oh no! He’s done it! He’s kicked a miracle goal!”

Wayne Carey: “Well “Darce”, you called it beautifully. He didn’t deserve to get the footy to start with. But then to finish on the left foot that far out, and the penetration, that is class. That’s a deliberate shot at goal and you talk about the best (goal) in the league. That’s not a contender – that’s the leader right now for Goal of the Year. That was ridiculous.”