Bolton, who will play his 25th final for the Swans, said the inclusion of finals debutants Shane Biggs and Harry Cunningham would provide a much-needed boost for this weekend’s match.
“It’s only the second game for Shane, but he’s a really composed ball user, and Harry’s just got electric speed,” Bolton told media on Friday.
“I think it just injects a bit of pace and energy into our side, and we’re looking forward to the game.
“Part of the reason we’re bringing in guys like Shane Biggs and Harry Cunningham is actually having fit guys on the park.
“We need to have a fit list, because Carlton are up and running, and that’s what we think we’ve got.”
Bolton, who will play his 324th match on Saturday night, said he had offered advice to the debutants about what to expect ahead of their first taste of September football.
“I spoke to Shane just before about how much family he’s got coming up from Melbourne and that sort of thing and it’s exciting for those young guys,” he said.
“It’s definitely a different game and you can play it a lot quicker in your own head, but hopefully we’ll try and calm those guys down and get into it.”
While it’s only the beginning for the Cunningham and Biggs this week, Bolton, who announced he would retire at the end of the Swans’ campaign, said he had considered the possibility that Saturday night’s game could be his last.
But the 33-year-old said he felt positive about the Swans’ chances against the Blues, adding he had full confidence his team could progress deep into September.
“I think it’s daunting a little bit in the fact that it could be all over, but we’re still really positive in the group we’ve got here and about getting the result we want,” Bolton said.
“It’s about just focusing and doing everything in our powers to produce on the big stage and get a semi final win.
“It’s definitely played on my mind and I’ve got family coming up thinking that they need to come up and maybe see my last game, but I’m still extremely positive that we can advance further in this finals series.
“We’ve got a good quality list and we’re excited.”
Saturday night’s match also moves Bolton two finals games clear of dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes, who was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury by the club last night.
Bolton said he was extremely disappointed not to be able to take the field with his good mate one last time.
“Personally I’m pretty shattered that I won’t get a chance to run out alongside Goodesy again, which is really disappointing,” he said.
“I sent him a text last night just seeing how he feels and I’m obviously just shattered for him not being able to get up and he was just more positive of being a part of what we’re about as well.
“He’ll be out there supporting the team and cheering us on.”
Bolton also expressed his disappointment for Ben McGlynn, who will miss yet another finals match through injury after being ruled out with a calf complaint this week.
“It’s shattering for him,” Bolton said.
“He’s worked so hard this year and there’s been that energy in the way he’s trained and played.
“We’ve got to do the right thing by him and win and give him a chance for next week.”
