2010 Preview

Career Profile

He made his debut for Essendon in the first round of 1998 in a surprisingly quick promotion to the senior team. He was a very talented and athletic centre half-back who could play in the midfield. But after four games in the senior team he spent the rest of the year playing in defence for the Reserves.

In 1999 Bolton played most of his football in the Reserves where he was among Essendon best players in the 1999 Reserves Grand Final in a winning team.

He had played only seven senior games by the end of the 2000 season, but was still considered a valuable player. In the final home and away game against Collingwood in 2000 he picked up nearly 20 disposals in one half of football, running with Collingwood star Nathan Buckley.

Bolton played 12 senior games in 2001 which was his best return since making his debut in Round 1, 1998. He had been used as a spare parts player, a defender, a tall mid-fielder and in tagging roles. His other games in 2001 were in the VFL competition in which he finished a creditable 3rd in the VFL Best and Fairest. His best senior game for the 2001 season was against the Kangaroos when he kicked a magnificent running goal in the 3rd quarter during Essendon's great comeback.

He improved his stocks dramatically in 2002 when he played 19 games for the season and fulfilled a variety of roles. Injuries to key players forced him to be played both in defence and attack and his success at either end of the ground saw his confidence soar. Bolton added a running element to his game which only enhanced his ability to be thrown into the mid-field as a tall on-baller. The second half of 2002 proved to be his best and he polled in the final eight games to finish 11th in the Crighton medal for the year and was awarded the most improved player for that season.

Bolton played 21 games in key positions at both ends of the ground for season 2003 and 23 games in 2004 but his form was inconsistent.

He suffered a hamstring injury in the middle of the 2005 season, but managed to play 16 senior games for the year. He played a serviceable year, but was hopeful of having an injury-free season in 2006, giving him a chance to perform at his best.

In 2006 he played 19 games and reached the milestone of 100 senior AFL games. His versatility had been his trademark.

He retired at the end of 2007.

Draft History: 1997 National AFL Draft 1st round selection (Essendon) No. 4 overall.
Player Honours: Reserves Coaches award 2000
VFL Bendigo Bombers 3rd Best and Fairest 2001
Most improved player 2002
Best clubman 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006
Career Brownlow medal votes: 4

View Mark's profile in our Past Player database

> WHY NOT BUY A...