Voted on by the match committee, the award acknowledged Bolton’s efforts both on and off the field in his 15th and final season at the Swans, which comprised of 325 games, 26 finals and two premierships.
This year marked the third occasion Bolton had taken out the Barry Round Shield, with the popular player also winning the award back-to-back in 2005 and 2006.
Speaking to SwansTV backstage at this year’s Club Champion event, Bolton said there was no better feeling than knowing he had the respect of his coaches and team mates.
“I think that’s all you crave,” Bolton told SwansTV.
“I’ve spoken a lot about being liked versus respected and you can be liked by a lot of people, but all you really chase is that respect, and I think just to be able to go out there week in, week out and just getting in the trenches with them is what I’m going to miss the most.
“I love this club and I love the playing group but I think we’re going to be able to step back in 10-15 years and see the bones that a lot of our guys have created and that ethos and hardness we want to see”.
In addition to his award, Bolton received glowing tributes from coach John Longmire, co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack as well as outgoing Chairman Richard Colless, who all congratulated the Swans veteran for his stellar career at the club.
Bolton said he was grateful for all the support he had received since he announced his retirement, including the overwhelming support he had received from the Swans’ fans.
“It’s just a special place to be around this club and I’m certainly going to miss being around the players and the coaching staff and also the supporter base,” he said.
“I’ve been blessed with so much support from all the fans that have given me well wishes along the journey and also just being a part of the premierships that we’ve been able to celebrate.
“I think one of the special moments was taking the Cup straight down George Street after a big premiership and to be able to share it with the city of Sydney is amazing.”
After a decade and a half in the red and white, Bolton said it was a ‘bizarre feeling’ knowing that this year’s Club Champion event was his last official function as a Swans player.
“This is my 15th Club Champion and there is a bit of sadness, but I won’t move too far from the club,” Bolton said.
“Hopefully I will take up a role in the corporate part of the club and help direct even more fans into the corporate base of the club as well.”
Bolton’s Barry Round Shield capped off a great Friday after he also took out the AFL Players Association Madden Medal for the top retiring player, which acknowledges off-field contributions as well as on field excellence.
