DUSTIN Martin is still the name on everyone's lips but Shai Bolton is the Richmond dynamo poised to take the AFL season by the scruff of the neck.

Bolton is the talk of Tigerland after a red-hot pre-season where he underlined his ability to have an impact both in midfield and attack.

Bolton ticked over the 100-game mark and averaged 21.7 disposals, while still booting 31 goals last season.

Now 25 and entering his prime years, the 2022 All-Australian is poised to go up another gear.

"I've never seen anything like it," midfielder Tim Taranto said. 

07:46

'All business from now on' - Taranto

Tim Taranto speaks to the media ahead of Saturday's clash against Gold Coast in Opening Round

"Like, he's so good. Whether it's the front half or in the midfield, such a talent. 

"If he can step up five per cent from last year it's gonna be a big difference for us."

00:57

Four days to be fit and firing

With only four days remaining until the Opening Round, the AFL side hits the track to refine their skills before heading to the Gold Coast.

Martin is set for additional midfield minutes this upcoming season and between he and Bolton, there is plenty of attacking drive.

"You probably just want to put those players where the ball is," fellow midfielder Dion Prestia said. 

"I look at Shai Bolton as well, who I think is one of the best players in the competition and one of the most dangerous as well. 

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"You have those players who are a bit rogue like Dustin and Shai who can just get up the ground and do what they have to do because you back them in to win most one-on-ones and most contests and use the ball well. 

"So I think that part's probably the more exciting part where we can bring them up to stoppage or we can sit them deep."

09:52

'Bring it on' - Prestia

Dion Prestia speaks to media ahead of Saturday's clash against Gold Coast in Opening Round.

There will also be plenty of focus on Taranto, who turned in a superb first season at Richmond, despite plenty of scrutiny after moving from GWS.

"It was probably good for me to get introduced like that. I feel like I got used to it pretty quick," he said.

"So if it (scrutiny) happens, it happens, I don't really care. A losing season's tough so if we can just win more games, I think it'll just make it a lot smoother."

Training: March 5, 2024

See Richmond Media's photos from training at the Swinburne Centre on Monday, March 5.
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He also believes the Tigers can do some damage this season under new coach Adem Yze.

"It's such a close game. You get hot, you get lucky with a few injuries, it's anyone's game really. I feel like any team can win it anywhere. 

"Every year we come in excited and feel positive. It's just like no other - so I guess time will tell."