‘Cream on the cake’: How Freo trade target could unleash ‘domino effect’ in 2025

Fremantle’s prospects for 2025 could skyrocket with the addition of a superstar, according to a panel of experts on *Fox Footy’s Trading Day*. The Dockers are strongly tipped to secure wantaway Richmond gun Shai Bolton, with a deal expected to be finalized next week for the versatile player.

North Melbourne legend David King believes Bolton’s arrival could create a “domino effect” at Fremantle.

“If he stays at Richmond, he gets tagged every week… he goes over there and they’ve got Hayden Young, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw, these guys in the middle that take all the heat and all the attention,” King noted.

“He’s going to run around unopposed. What’s he going to be able to do under that system in the forward half of the ground? I love this. He’s got the capability of having that 35-40 goal, average 25 touches type season.”

Hawthorn great Jordan Lewis emphasized the chaos Bolton could cause for opposition teams.

“He’s clearly an A-grade player. You look at what they add to that particular side, he will be an absolute jet centre forward for them and allow them to do more things in the middle of the ground and ask more questions of the opposition, which is a nightmare,” Lewis commented.

Herald Sun reporter Glenn McFarlane echoed these sentiments, adding: “He turns the needle there for sure.”

Meanwhile, fellow journalist Jay Clark described Bolton’s acquisition as “the cream on the cake.”

King went on to compare Fremantle’s potential midfield lineup to Brisbane’s star-studded engine room, which features Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale, former Bulldog Josh Dunkley, and the likes of Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry. The inclusion of young gun Will Ashcroft, who made a significant impact after returning from an ACL injury, highlighted Brisbane’s strength in the middle.

On grand final day, this depth saw Ashcroft thrive and claim the Norm Smith medal.