MARK BOLTON

Games: 19
Goals: 8
Kicks: 123
Marks: 85
Handballs: 99

FANS RATING: 7.4 / 10

Some of what the fans said:

“Excellent progress. I was pleasantly surprised by his improvement this year. Will be a key next season. The next Dustin Fletcher!” Bradley Morrissey.

“Very good effort. Towards the end of the year he really stood up and played well. Attacking, works hard and also did a few jobs for us. Should be highly commended. Hope he can take that form into next year and be a regular.” Matt Planner.

“Great Year Bolts! Welcome to the scene, its a taken a while but it's been worth the wait. Can't wait to see you get better even next year.” Peter Schattner

“Often a critic of Mark, in 2002 he has stepped up to another level, played his best season yet, and even with the return of Solomon will hold his spot in the team. Great young talent.” Nathan McNabb.

“The most improved player on our senior roster this year, his pace, running ability and accurate foot skills gave a lift to the side in the second half of the year. Needs to get a bit stronger and hold his ground better in bustling duels. Pleased for him, as I along with many others have been critical of him over the years since he was drafted at no. 4 or 5.” John Krause.

“A real shinning light for the Bombers and has become a confident hard running tall. With game time has learnt the finer art of playing consistent AFL footy. I'm expecting Mark to become a real leader around Bomberland.” Harry Giovanakis.

“Inspirational. He's almost worthy of being a Vice-Captain. This bloke showed what a bit of self belief and confidence can do. If the rest of his list had his attitude and demenaour, the team would be 50% of the way back to the upper echelon of the ladder without having even touched a footy.” Josh Kay.

“Very impressive - had a huge 2nd half of the season. Found consistency, and cemented a spot in defence, showing plenty of skill. He was worth waiting for, has finally shown his talent.” Peter Pagounis.

THE WASH UP:

Essendon supporters clearly felt Mark Bolton was the most improved player at the club in season 2002. They felt he had justified the faith the coaching panel had shown him over the past four years with another hard running tall giving the Bombers options across the half back line. Essendon fans now have their fingers crossed that a Mark Bolton high on confidence can start 2003 where he left off in 2002.

MARK HARVEY SAYS:

The fans rating of Mark Bolton is about right. He just showed that sometimes it isn’t a one or two-year wait for a player to show what he is capable of – he took a bit longer but our patience was rewarded this season. His versatility was very useful – he played a number of roles including key position forward, key position defender and in the ruck. The challenge is for Mark to ensure he maintains the standard he set in the latter part of this season.