C. Bolton on track for 2011

[ShockOfHair]

Nearly ready to roll, according to the club website/disinformation program.

I?m confident I can get back and I?m looking forward to it. The Achilles has been progressing really well the last few months and the signs are really good that it is strengthening. I?m running at a pretty good pace now and I?m looking forward to being able to start pre-season with 100 per cent fitness in mid-November.

Season Wrap with Craig Bolton - Official AFL Website of the Sydney Swans Football Club

[Go Swannies]

I spoke to him at the B&F dinner and he said the same then. I asked him why I'd heard it may not heal well enough to play again and he said they thought that was true at one stage but the progress since meant that he'd be back for R1.

He thanked me for asking and seemed really happy to be thinking about footy next year. I wonder if he'll do a Tadhg and come back rested and repaired and better than when he left? It'll give us an awesome backline if he does.

[dimelb]

Very encouraging. He'll make a difference.

[707]

Was very impressed with Ted's late season form so having everyone available will be a real selection dilemma, how do you fit in CBolton, Ted, Reg and LRT?

Makes you realise that Reid is more likely to be developed as a forward in the immediate future. Like the thought of his sticky mitts in our fwd line :-)

[giant]

Yep, nice to have him back but not necessarily convinced he's in our best 22. Obviously, he gets the benefit of the doubt with his record but if he does come back I count it as a bonus.

[aardvark]

Yep, nice to have him back but not necessarily convinced he's in our best 22. Obviously, he gets the benefit of the doubt with his record but if he does come back I count it as a bonus.

If he comes back fit he is best 22 easily.....one of the best backmen this club has seen IMO.

[Ratna]

IMO easily in our best 22 and provides the backline with stability when he is there. Great news.

[swansrob]

Agreed, a fit Bolton slots easily back into the 22 - no question.
Also like the idea of developing Reid as a forward - he looked damn good there for that one game (what I saw of it on YouTube, anyway...)

[reigning premier]

Was very impressed with Ted's late season form so having everyone available will be a real selection dilemma, how do you fit in CBolton, Ted, Reg and LRT?

Makes you realise that Reid is more likely to be developed as a forward in the immediate future. Like the thought of his sticky mitts in our fwd line :-)

Ease up... let's not get too excited... Turnover Ted had one good game. It was a very good gamne but I still say he was waaayyyyy overdue for it. Waaaayyyyyy overdue. At least 3 player in front of Turnover Ted for a spot in the backline...

[Ratna]

Both Ted and B2 have claims to spots in the backline. I would have B2 first (by a fair margin) providing he is fit.

I also agree that bagging Ted is pretty harsh and a direct comparison to B2 is unfair. Ted always gives his all and while has had some ordinary games overall he has been pretty good.

The bonus of Ted is that he can play a variety of roles. This versatility may go a long way to ensuring he gets a spot next year especially with the new interchange rules. With him on the bench as the once only sub you could replace an injured forward, a back or shuffle someone into the midfield, so all bases are covered.

Lets just hope injuries are few and the selectors have to make hard decisions (like who to omit from the backline) next year. Not only does it mean a strong team but also some great discussion/arguments regarding selection on RWO.

[ShockOfHair]

Ted isn't in our first 22, but thank god for him this year. He's a pretty handy fourth tall defender.

[jono2707]

For some reason I feel that 2011 is not looking good for one C. Bolton. I think at this stage of his career, such an injury might have some real long term debilitating affects. I really do hope I'm wrong but I don't see how he could return to his past form at his age following this injury. Surely its gotta affect his pace, which was never blistering to start with. Going on 31 next year, I think he will find it tough to keep up to his previous lofty standards. At least our backline has developed further over 2010 and we are looking good in that department with or without him next year.

As I said, I hope I'm wrong on this one....

[aardvark]

Ted isn't in our first 22, but thank god for him this year. He's a pretty handy fourth tall defender.

and an excellent article writer for the Swans site...........and probably a great "Papa Bear" for the young ressies in 2011.

[Bleed Red Blood]

I think Craig Bolton is a bit like one Robert Harvey, in that he will learn/adapt as he gets older. I think he has a few quality years ahead of him.

[Primmy]

Minor detail, should be mentioned, he is still a Captain at this club.

The Wonderful Ted. He always plays wholeheartedly, he is already good to go, he doesn't sulk when relegated, if he hadn't been around we would have been stuffed. I think they call it "depth", and this club hasn't had a great deal of it in the past. Thank heavens for Big Ted.