Katanning-Pingaring pair eye back-to-back grand final wins for Richmond in blossoming young careers

Two WA footballers will have the chance to win back-to-back AFL grand finals with Richmond this Saturday when they run out against Geelong at the Gabba. Katanning-born Shai Bolton and Pingaring-raised Liam Baker will play vital roles in the Tigers’ bid to take down the Cats and claim the 2020 AFL flag. The Tigers will be looking for their third premiership in the past four seasons and Baker and Bolton will hope to add a second premiership medal to their blossoming careers. Baker was full of praise for Bolton, who has taken his game to a new level this season. “I remember playing against Shai before we went away to high school in the country,” Baker said. “He’s a freak, he kicked two goals, amazing goals, against the Saints and that wonderful goal against Brisbane that was disallowed. “He plays through the midfield and forward — he has got that spark which is very exciting for us on grand final day and the club going forward.” Bolton has thrived in a midfield role this season and had 15 disposals, four marks, three clearances and more than 300m gained in the Tigers’ heart-stopping preliminary final win over Port Adelaide last Friday. The 22-year-old is averaging just under 16 touches a game and will look to win a second flag despite not yet playing 50 AFL games. Baker has been a revelation since moving to defence, averaging just under 15 disposals and four marks per game this season. Having grown up playing juniors with Lake Grace-Pingrup, Baker was thrilled to be back on the biggest stage. “It is all pretty exciting to be a part of another grand final,” he said. “Strange is probably the right word to describe this season. “We have had a lot of different stuff thrown our way. “I’ll be nervous but not until later in the week. “Geelong are a pretty good team but hopefully we do enough to get over the line.” The grand final will start at 4.30pm WA time. The duo’s outstanding seasons were recognised on Monday night at the 2020 Brownlow Medal count. Bolton (nine votes) received the second-most votes for the Tigers behind superstar Dustin Martin, while Baker collected three votes.