Bolton chasing more Swans glory

Sydney Swans veteran Jude Bolton with wife Lynette and daughter Siarra, 10 months. Picture: Toby Zerna. Source: The Sunday Telegraph

MOST players would be happy with 300-plus games and two premierships, but Sydney Swans veteran Jude Bolton isn't satisfied.

"I still feel like I've got plenty to give," Bolton told The Sunday Telegraph.

"I want to give as much as I can to this club."

Many thought the Swans' emotional grand final victory over Hawthorn would be the perfect way to bow out. And it crossed Bolton's mind more then a few times.

But the passion and fire for the game continues to burn in the 32-year-old.

"I love playing the game so much," Bolton said.

"We're so blessed to be able to do what we do, getting paid to play a sport I've loved since I was a kid.

"If my AFL career finished at 21, I would still be training three days a week at a local team because I love the game."

Just as Geelong did last year with premiership captain Cameron Ling, the Swans gave Bolton the time he needed to assess his future.

"I had a couple of weeks to let the emotion and excitement of the grand final settle down to see where I was at," Bolton said.

"I'm really grateful to the club for giving me the time to make the decision."

Bolton also had to weigh up the state of his body, and in particular a knee injury he picked up in the clash against Carlton in Round 19.

In typical fashion, he worked his way back into the team through positive thinking and hard work. The off-season has provided recovery time not available during the push for the premiership.

"My body is feeling good enough to compete and play at the level I know I can," Bolton said. "There was no need for an operation.

"It certainly feels good, I can change direction and there's no pain at all,"

Bolton's competitive spirit has driven him through his 14 years in the AFL and the desire for more success and another premiership remains.

The Swans' list of talented youngsters has given him the belief the premiers can get even better.

"There's enormous improvement still to come from these guys," Bolton said.

"Look at guys like Alex Johnson, he's only played 45 games. Sam Reid , Tom Mitchell will play this year, Gary Rohan as well."

Another bright prospect that gives Bolton confidence is someone cast from the same mould as the blond midfielder - Luke Parker.

"He's as hard as nails and he's got some polish as well," Bolton said.

"He showed that at the start of the year."

Swans coach John Longmire gave Bolton all the time he needed to make his decision and is delighted with his choice to play on.

"He's just so enthusiastic," Longmire said.

"Guys like Luke Parker and Tom Mitchell are very lucky to have a guy like Jude around.

"When they're trying to work out what is required at AFL level, all they need to do is look over at locker No. 24.

"They've not a only got a guy who shows them, they've got a guy who helps and coaches them.

"Getting the blend of senior experience helps enormously."In Longmire's decades in the game, he has rarely seen anyone as tough as Bolton. However, he also values the veteran's positive attitude.

"He's just great to have around the club, his enthusiasm never wanes," he said.

"He is the life of the place and when he has an injury he never complains."

Another person very happy to see Bolton play on for another season is his wife Lynette, who thought her husband was certain to finish if he won the premiership.

"He's still got the passion," Lynette said.

"I love going to the football and he enjoys it, that's the main thing."

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