Shai Bolton may have had a slightly slower start to the 2023 season after winning an inaugural All-Australian blazer in 2022, but he’s been back to his brilliant best for Richmond in recent weeks.

The dual Tiger premiership star’s reputation as his team’s “fire-starter” was further enhanced in last Thursday night’s crucial Round 17 match against Sydney at the MCG.

With the Tigers trailing by 26 points during the second quarter, it was Bolton who again stepped up to spark a spirited Yellow and Black fightback in the wet conditions that ended in a 13-point.

He had a profound influence on the contest at the centre bounces, winning clearances, and around the ground, creating numerous scoring opportunities for teammates.

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'We stuck to our process' - Bolton

Shai Bolton speaks with Jude Bolton following the win against the Swans.

Bolton finished the match with an equal game-high 31 disposals, game-high 17 contested possessions, three marks, nine inside-50s, nine clearances, an equal game-high five centre clearances, a game-high four goal assists, game-high 10 score involvements, four intercepts, three tackles and team-high 598 metres gained.

The exhilarating 24-year-old midfielder/forward has played a pivotal role in all four of Richmond’s wins since Andrew McQualter took over as the Club’s interim coach, replacing Damien Hardwick.

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Round 17: Super Shai skill sets up Cotchin for classy finish

Shai Bolton does superbly to feed the footy to ex-skipper Trent Cotchin who snares a much-needed goal.

Here is how he fared in those other victories under ‘Mini’ previous to last Thursday night’s success against the Swans . . .

Round 12 v Greater Western Sydney, Giants Stadium: 23 disposals, eight contested possessions, four marks, six inside-50s, one goal, two goal assists, nine score involvements, 577 metres gained.

Round 13 v Fremantle, Optus Stadium: 33 disposals, 16 contested possessions, three marks, 11 inside-50s, six clearances, three centre clearances, one goal, six score involvements, five tackles, 925 metres gained.

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Latitude Player of the Match: Round 13

Shai Bolton has been awarded the Latitude Player of the Match for Round 13.

Round 14 v St Kilda, MCG: 18 disposals, 10 contested possessions, three inside-50s, seven clearances, three goals, six score involvements, four intercepts and 318 metres gained.

Bolton and his top-class Tiger teammate Dustin Martin are the only two players in the AFL competition who are averaging more than 20 disposals and a goal a game so far this season.

He is averaging a career-high 22.4 disposals and has kicked 19 goals in 16 games, while Martin also has a disposals average of 22.4 disposals, and he’s scored 14 goals in 14 games.