Shai Bolton's afternoon was one to watch in a match that threatened to underwhelm.
Bolton looked lively through all four quarters as the Tigers built towards a 15.14 (104) - 8.10 (58) point win over West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.
Both sides came into the contest off of disappointing losses in round seven, the Eagles' a 108-point thumping from Carlton at home.
While the numbers in the MCG stands might not have added up to Richmond coach Damien Hardwick's expectations after taking aim at his side's rare home game at Marvel Stadium last week, those in attendance saw what turned into an exciting display.
Following a dull first quarter between two teams crippled by injury and sitting towards the bottom of the ladder in greasy conditions, the goals came quickly from quarter-time on.
After trailing by seven points at the first break, the Richmond slowly put together what became a healthy lead as the game progressed.
Bolton played a major role kicking 3.2 and putting together an equal game-high of 13 score involvements.
Can't give Shai an inch or he'll make you pay 😤#YokayiFooty #AFLTigersEagles pic.twitter.com/ulsCHJlI8K
— AFL (@AFL) May 6, 2023
An 'ever present danger', as put by Fox Footy's Anthony Hudson, the ball almost seemed to follow Bolton around the ground through periods in the second half.
Between time in the midfield and forward line, he collected 31 disposals for the afternoon, second only to Jacob Hopper (32) for the match.
Despite only getting half as much of the football, Marlion Pickett had fair say in the outcome, kicking an early goal to get things moving for Richmond.
The 31-year-old juggled two would-be mark of the year contenders after half time.
On the other side of the contest, Tim Kelly's role as the key accumulator throughout West Coast's season carried on.
Kelly had 29 touches, though his work with the ball, largely through traffic, failed to materialise into a comeback from the visitors.
Jamaine Jones was impressive for the Eagles in the back half, pipping Kelly with 30 disposals of his own.
Bolton is averaging 19 disposals and more than a goal a game in 2023.
