Shai Bolton is maximising his opportunity in Richmond’s midfield and helping fill the void created there due to the absence of injured Tiger stars Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards and Dion Prestia.

The silky-skilled, speedy 21-year-old has made an impressively smooth transition from his small-forward role into the team’s engine-room.

UNITED Add-on or become a United Tiger member to help ensure our Club's Strong & Bold future

After receiving six votes in the prestigious AFL Coaches’ Association’s Champion Player award for his top-class Round 7 display v North Melbourne Bolton had a significant impact for Richmond against Greater Western Sydney last Friday night.

He had 19 disposals, with six inside-50s, five clearances, an equal game-high/season-high eight score involvements, 499 metres gained and kicked a goal.

00:15

Round 8: Sharp shooter Shai

Bolton on the burst, kicks a fantastic goal.

“His first and last quarter were very good . . . His consistency will continue to grow as his fitness base does,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.

“He’s playing a new role and we really like the look of him through there.”

Overall, this season, Bolton has scored nine goals in seven games and is averaging 13.6 disposals, 4.7 inside-50s, 5.7 score involvements and 356.9 metres gained per match.