Shai Bolton’s management insist the Richmond star understands he is not guaranteed to return to Western Australia due to his long AFL contract with the Tigers.
The dual premiership player could be on the move this off-season, despite signing a five-year contract 18 months ago that ties him to Richmond until the end of 2028.
But reports that he had demanded a trade have been shot down by his management.
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Bolton, the Tigers’ most talented player after Dustin Martin’s recent retirement, is interested in being closer to his family as he and his partner prepare to welcome a second child.
His manager Anthony van der Wielen said the 25-year-old had not made any formal trade request to the Tigers.
“We have had some ongoing discussions with Richmond throughout the season where he has indicated that he would be open to the idea of returning home to Perth if a suitable deal can be struck that benefits all parties involved,” van der Wielen told AAP.
“With a young family and strong ties to Perth, the prospect of being closer to home is appealing to him.
“However, Shai is not making any demands of Richmond and fully understands that he has four years remaining on his current contract.”
Fremantle appear Bolton’s club of choice if he gets his wish and leaves Richmond after 134 games.
The Dockers are entering their premiership window and have a bevy of draft selections, including Collingwood’s first-round pick this year that the Magpies gave in exchange for Lachie Schultz last off-season.
It is going to be a mammoth off-season for Richmond, who will collect their first wooden spoon since 2004, just four years after winning their third premiership in four seasons.
With Martin already out of Punt Rd, Liam Baker will almost certainly join Bolton in heading to a WA club, likely West Coast.
Fellow premiership player Jack Graham could also land at the Eagles.
Gold Coast, under former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick, are chasing Daniel Rioli hard.