2003
Mark Bolton continued on his impressive form from the 2002 season with another consistent year. His ability and flexibility to play at both ends of the ground, again proved a valuable asset to the team. He notched up his 50th game in Round 15 against Adelaide and has started to repay the faith that the coaching panel has shown in him. He averaged 11 possessions per game and was a strong forward marking target in the second half of the season.
STRENGTHS
Bolton has great pace for a player who stands 194cm tall. The 25-year-old also has excellent endurance and aerobic capacity. His status as one of the fittest players at the club is proved every pre-season when he dominates the fitness testing. 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
Bolton can play at both ends of the ground and has the height to hold down a key position. In the past he has been used in key forward and defence positions and has even spent time in the mid-field. He has been given the tagging job on star Collingwood midfielder Nathan Buckley in the past. Bolton is not goal shy either - in his 59 matches he has booted 30 majors. His speed and tackling also make him an ideal choice for a key defensive position.
2004
Bolton is a 50-game plus player now and has been around the club long enough to know what it takes to make it. Essendon fans will be hoping Bolton will continue to show the improvement he has demonstrated over the past two seasons and stamp his authority on a key position. He has the determination and work ethic to become one of the Bombers’ top line players and he needs to continue to repay the faith the Essendon coaching staff has shown him in recent years.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
If not the best trainer, Mark Bolton is always in the best two or three in everything he does. His attitude has been spot on and he is a player that we haven’t settled down in a position yet, but we are looking to that hopefully this year. It most likely would be a key position in the forward line or backline. Sometimes he has been a ‘Mr. Fix-it’, which really puts a hardship on him and I think the fans have got to realise that. Scott Lucas went to centre half back last year and won the best and fairest, so you can’t move him from that position. But with Danny Jacobs gone, there is an opportunity for him to hold down a key position.
Watch Mark Bolton in action for the Bombers this season when you purchase a 2004 Essendon membership. Click here for more information about how you can join the team!
