Hall and Bolton inducted into Swans Hall of Fame
Former co-captains Barry Hall and Craig Bolton have tonight been inducted into the Swans Hall of Fame
The pair accepted their honours at the Sydney Swans Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame dinner, presented by Volkswagen, at The Star Events Centre.
Hall, who arrived at the Swans in 2002 following 88 games with St Kilda, became one of the club’s most accomplished forwards and was awarded All Australian honours in 2004, 2005 and 2006.
The bold and burly forward spearhead eventually played 162 games for the Swans as one of the competition’s strongest one-on-one players and was always a fierce competitor on field.
A co-captain of the 2005 premiership team and co-captain in 2006 and 2007, Hall took out the Club Champion honours in 2004 and was the club’s leading goalkicker for seven consecutive seasons between 2002 and 2008, a feat only achieved twice in the club’s history.
Watch Barry Hall's Hall of Fame tribute video
One of Hall’s greatest on-field rivals, West Coast Eagles full back Darren Glass, described him as one of the best forwards he’s ever played on.
“I really enjoyed the West Coast-Sydney rivalry through the middle of the 2000s, and a big part of that, for me, was matching up on Barry,” he said.
“He was an outstanding player who was quick, strong and a great kick for goal.
“His work rate was incredible.
“He was a true champion and obviously a great leader and a huge part of that famous and highly respected Swans team.”
Hall ended his AFL career with the Western Bulldogs at the end of the 2011 season, finishing on 289 games and with 746 goals to his name.
Bolton began his career with ACT club Eastlake, before being drafted to the Brisbane Lions with selection 33 in 1998.
While injuries held Bolton back in his formative years, costing him senior game time at the Lions, the Swans moved on the defender and took him at pick three in the 2003 Pre-Season Draft.
The decision immediately proved positive, with Bolton establishing himself as a key member in the Swans’ defensive unit, missing only one game in his first seven seasons at the club.
Bolton went on to earn All-Australian honours in 2006 and 2009, played an integral role in the 2005 premiership-winning season and was named co-captain from 2008 to 2010.
Watch Craig Bolton's Hall of Fame tribute video
One of his regular adversaries, Western Bulldogs great, Brad Johnson, paid Bolton the ultimate tribute.
“He was definitely the toughest opponent I played on,” Johnson said.
“He was tough for some many reasons.
“His competitive will stood out and he was so strong on the lead with his closing speed and in a one-on-one marking contest due to his strength and positioning.
“It had to be the perfect kick from your team mates to give you a chance of winning the ball, and that was not even a guarantee.“
An Achilles injury suffered in 2010 eventually put an end to Bolton’s career, which saw him play 199 AFL games, including 170 in the red and white.
Tonight's duo of inductees take the number of South Melbourne/Sydney Swans players inducted into the Swans Hall of Fame to 59, which includes Bloods Legends Bob Pratt, Bob Skilton, Peter Bedford and Paul Kelly.
Barry Hall
2002–2009
162 games
467 goals
All Australian 2004, 2005, 2006
Best & Fairest 2004
Leading Goal Kicker 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Co-Captain 2006-2007
Craig Bolton
2003-2010
170 games
15 goals
All Australian 2006, 2009
2005 Premiership
Co-Captain 2008-2010