2002: Essendon supporters and the coaching staff have been patient with Mark Bolton. The man himself has had to be as well – the Essendon senior side has been a difficult team to break into in recent times. And by mid-2002 it appeared to be more of the same – glimpses of talent were wedged around games spent in the VFL side. But all that changed in Round 15 when Essendon took on the West Coast Eagles. Essendon was beaten but Bolton was excellent across the half back line – he polled Crichton Medal votes in that game and he didn’t look back. Bolton was arguably Essendon’s best player in the final third of the season, polling best and fairest votes in every home and away game.

Strengths: Bolton runs extremely well and has good pace for a player who stands 194cm tall. He also has excellent endurance. All this adds up to a player who can play almost anywhere. He has played down the spine for the Bombers and has even been given a tagging job on star Collingwood midfielder Nathan Buckley in the past. His attitude to football is also a major plus. His work ethic has got him to where it is today – it has taken him too long to get where he has for him to drop off now.

Position: Another player who gives the Essendon match committee options. With Dean Solomon back it is likely he could be used across the half forward line. He is an excellent lead and the Bombers would have another option coming out of defence. His endurance would also help in this respect – half forwards are often asked to lead and then turn around and do it again. His speed and tackling would also make life difficult for opposition defenders trying to clear the ball.

2003: By the end of season 2002, Mark Bolton was arguably the most improved player in the AFL. He had gone from being touted as a possible trade to very much a required player at Windy Hill. Everyone will be hoping for more of the same in 2003 and Bolton will leave no stone unturned. He is one of the players Essendon fans will want to see help cover the loss of Caracella, Blumfield and Heffernan. If he maintains the form he was showing by season’s end, he will certainly do that.

Sheedy says:This is an opportunity for Mark to put two good seasons together. He was a first round Draft choice in 1997 and is a good example that at times you need confidence and patience for a player to develop. Mark needs to build on his confidence and belief in himself and have a top year in 2003. He can play both in the backline and up forward and is a very flexible player.