FORMER Geelong and Sydney speedster David Bolton admits to feeling a bit conflicted heading into Saturday’s AFL grand final clash between his two former clubs.
A Grovedale junior and Geelong under-19s player before heading to SANFL club Woodville, Bolton was lured back to Kardinia Park in 1984 and featured in 28 games with the Cats across the next two years,
He headed to Sydney along with coach Tom Hafey, star centreman Greg Williams, and defender Bernard Toohey ahead of the 1986 season.
Bolton made 95 appearances for the Swans, playing in the club’s first final since moving to the Harbour City in 1982.
He returned to Geelong in the 1990s and played locally with Anglesea, South Barwon and Modewarre, which has him slightly leaning towards the Cats.
“Living in Geelong, it’s back to where we started,” Bolton said.
“So, I think I’ll go with the Cats this week.”
After being in the SCG crowd for Sydney’s thrilling one-point win over Collingwood, Bolton is aware of the Swans’ fighting spirit.
However, he believes Geelong has positioned itself well to snap an 11-year premiership drought.
“They’ve just built and built, haven’t they?” Bolton said. “It’s been amazing.
“If you look at the depth of the club, and the blokes who are missing out on a game, they’d get a start at any other club.
“You’d have to say Geelong is a 3-4 goal better side.
“But anything can happen,”
Bolton said the clash of the Cats and Swans had given him a chance to reflect on his career, including the four unsuccessful finals he appeared in with Sydney.
“We were probably primed twice to have a better result, but it was a little bit disappointing,” he said.
“But it’s still nice to look back on.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
