As the record books show the Essendon team of 2000 / 2001 was a powerhouse and it was difficult for new talent to break into the side, especially when you are fighting against more experienced players for key position. ""2000 was a pretty stable year in terms of the seniors, especially the backline. The backline was sensational in 2000 and they played together pretty much for the entire year so there wasn't many spots,"" Bolton said.
Although Bolton felt frustrated inside about his lack of opportunities he kept his chin up and continued to work hard on the track, having faith that his opportunity would come along soon. ""It did take a long time and I suppose I never really played that well in the seniors when I did play. So I think it was a bit of a confidence thing."" At times he looked to former Essendon skipper Gary O'Donnell for inspiration. ""Always when Sheeds was talking to me he made mention of players that had served lengthy apprenticeships in the seconds, especially Gary O'Donnell and Michael Tuck. There are plenty of examples out there of players that have made it after spending time in the reserves,"" Bolton said.
Essendon drafted Bolton from Eastern under-18's with selection number four. Dean Solomon was always picked up in the same draft with selection number 20. Bolton debuted in round 1 1998 and played the next three games. However, over the next few years played only a couple of senior games. In 2001 the 24-year-old played 12 games including the preliminary final, however was dropped for the Grand Final against Brisbane.
Bolton was out of contract at the end of 2001 and was at cross roads in his career. On one hand he wanted to stay at Essendon and on the other he was craving more senior opportunities. ""That was probably the toughest it has been for me, deciding what I was going to do with footy. Being dropped for the grand final is not what you want at all. I took it pretty hard but looking back I suppose I didn't deserve my spot in the side. At the time I probably knew that as well and that was the frustrating thing - knowing I wasn't good enough to be in that side. That spurred me on for last year,"" Bolton said.
In 2002 Bolton got his opportunity and played a career high 19 games in a season. ""The first half of the year was still pretty frustrating. I was in and out of the side. The second half of the year I found a spot in the backline and played okay. I got a lot of confidence playing senior football, something that I hadn't really had before,"" Bolton said. ""I have always put a lot of pressure on myself and that probably didn't help.""
In recognition of his season, Bolton was awarded the most improved player at the Crichton medal in 2002. He not only became integral to the Essendon team he also gave the side flexibility. At 194cm he can play as a key position forward or defender and can also spend time in the ruck if needed. This season he has continued his good form and spent the majority of the season in the backline. He has used his speed and aerobic fitness to give the team drive out of defence.
It has been a long and exciting journey for Bolton over the past six years. When he runs out on Friday night for the 50th time in the red and black guernsey he will have a sense of pride and satisfaction to know that he has worked hard at carving out an AFL career and persistence definitely pays off.
