Star Fremantle recruit Shai Bolton has spoken on his move back to Western Australia, expressing his excitement to be closer to family and linking up with his new teammates.
Bolton will have his first training session as a Docker on Friday, having delayed his pre-season start due to the birth of his daughter.
The "hectic" few weeks for the 25-year-old has only compounded his enthusiasm to get the ball rolling at Fremantle, with Bolton arriving from Richmond this off-season with two premierships and an All-Australia selection across his eight years at Punt Road.
The Katanning product's move to Western Australia came with a desire to be closer to family for both Bolton and his partner Hasina.
Having enjoyed the chance to play in Perth in his 135-game career to date, Bolton said coming back to WA will come with some nostalgia.
"Me and my family are very excited. We're glad we're finally back home," he told the club's media arm.
"We were excited to come back. It just feels good that I'm finally back home and ready to go for training.
"I met a couple of the boys over in Melbourne and I can't wait to get stuck in.
"Every time I've come here my family are in the stands. It's that kind of feeling when you're playing junior football and all your family and cousins come along to watch you play.
"You just get excited."
Bolton and close friend Quinton Narkle are the only two new Dockers recruits who bring AFL experience, with the latter signing via the Supplemental Selection Period this week.
The pair grew up together but haven't been teammates since being drafted eight years ago.
Narkle had a brief stint as a train-on prospect for Richmond but would eventually find a career lifeline at Port Adelaide, who cut the former Cats forward at the end of the most recent season.
Speaking on reuniting with Narkle, Bolton stated it's something he's looked forward to.
"I can't wait," he said.
"He had a stint at Richmond and now he's signed at Freo.
"I've never played with him at the professional level."
Bolton was traded to Fremantle in exchange for Picks 10, 11 and 18, while Pick 14 and a future third-round selection also came the other way.
A Round 1 Dockers debut for the lively midfield-forward would see Bolton suit up against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday, March 15.
