Fremantle star recruit Shai Bolton has shown significant approval towards their teammate Isaiah Dudley even though he is still in the early stages of his AFL career, comparing him to a West Coast premiership player and a forward for Port Adelaide Willie Rioli .
Dudley became part of the Dockers squad as an SSP pick in February afterwards. Odin Jones was moved to the long-term injury list and has quickly impressed in his short time at the WA club.
The low-possession, high-impact small forward made his debut in Round 3 against West Coast, slotting two goals from 10 touches, whilst recording six score involvements.
High-end draftee Murphy Reid has also made himself known to the AFL world after a dominant opening month to his time in the big leagues.
Reid has averaged 11.9 ratings points, 15.5 touches, 6.8 score involvements, two tackles and slotted five majors, including the four on debut.
All the while in the absence of veteran forward Michael Walters and Sam Switkowski .
"I feel like we have a dangerous forward line. They all play their roles, and we don't really focus on the goals, to be honest," Bolton said.
"They're both pretty smart. A lot of people compare Dudley to Willie (Rioli).
"Their IQ in the game is pretty good considering how young they both are … they've obviously got a lot of talent.
"He (Dudley) doesn't need much of the ball to be dangerous, and I think, once he has more games under his belt, he's going to be pretty dangerous."
The young duo are complemented by Bolton's ability to run amok in the front half whilst also pinch-hitting in the midfield.
And the former Tiger says he is not done with yet, as he puts his pre-season injury woes in the rearview mirror.
Bolton returned to his damaging best against the Western Bulldogs , kicking two crucial goals from 14 touches, playing predominantly in the front half.
"I feel like I'm just getting fitter every time I play," Bolton said on Tuesday.
"Obviously I had those niggles, but I feel like I'm finally getting my fitness back and getting ready to run out games.
Returning to the primary training sessions and spending more time with the guys… that’s essentially what matters most, maintaining that bond with teammates and aiming to deliver my top performance.
Bolton anticipated receiving additional focus from his ex-teammates, particularly the defenders and those who are known for their fiery nature. Nathan Broad and Nick Vlastuin .
"I'll treat this as just another match and see how things unfold," Bolton stated.
The defense is quite intense.