Retired dual premiership-winning Sydney champion Jude Bolton is content he left nothing in the tank but was disappointed his Swans had no answers for Fremantle’s ruthlessness in Saturday night’s AFL preliminary final in Perth.
The 25-point loss spelt the end of Bolton’s decorated career following 325 matches, making him the club’s record holder after surpassing Michael O’Loughlin early in 2013.
He also enjoyed the 2005 and 2012 premierships.
The 33-year-old made his debut in 1999 and will be remembered as an all-time great of the Swans, not just because of holding the games record tally, but because of the way he played the game with tremendous intensity and always with the respect of the football world.
While hoping his career could have ended with a fourth grand final, Bolton left Subiaco’s Patersons Stadium with his head held high.
Despite the Dockers celebrating making their club’s first ever grand final, captain Matthew Pavlich got them to line-up as a show of respect as Bolton left an AFL ground for the final time.
“I was rapt that they obviously showed me a little bit of respect at the end by lining up for me,” Bolton said of the gesture he will remember always.
“They didn’t have to do that, but Pav came over to me and said he wanted to line up so I thank the Fremantle guys for doing that.
“I told Pav he didn’t have to do that especially when they should enjoy winning into a grand final, but they are a great club and well led by Pav so I really appreciated it.”
Bolton’s natural leadership abilities might seem to make him an obvious candidate to move into coaching, but it’s not something that immediately springs to mind.
There is plenty he will miss about playing at the top level, but at the same time he would like to take a bit of a break and work in some other areas.
“I guess I’m going to miss the competitiveness and the contests. I’m going to have to find another competitive outlet or release somewhere, but I will miss the camaraderie with the boys and competing week in, week out,” Bolton said.
“I would never say never (about coaching), but I probably will step away for a little bit.
“I enjoy the media and the analysis of the footy, and also I’m accredited as a player agent so I will look after a few of the boys in the league there.”