AFL trade: Why Bo Allan is the key factor in Richmond and Fremante’s trade over Shai Bolton

Bo Allan played in a Peel Thunder premiership this season and is ready to hit the ground running for whoever drafts him. Freo could be risking the Shai Bolton trade in order to get him.

Here’s a question for Fremantle fans. If Richmond stands its ground and insists on the Docker’s first two draft picks, currently 10 and 11, in exchange for Shai Bolton, should Fremantle bite the bullet or walk away?

As it stands, the two clubs are haggling over which two first round picks form part of the deal.

The Dockers are more willing to part ways with pick 18 as well as one of 10 or 11. The Tigers want both 10 and 11.

In reality, Fremantle might just be haggling over Bo Allan.

A certainty to be the first Western Australian selected in the AFL draft, Allan is firming as a top 10 pick after an impressive national combine.

The 18-year-old finished in the top 10 in the agility test (7.940), running vertical jump (92cm) and standing vertical jump (72cm) to finish the combine with one of the best athletic profiles in this year’s draft class.

Bo Allan in action at the National Combine over the weekend. Picture: Martin Keep/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

The Dockers have enjoyed a front-row seat to Allan’s development with the midfielder/defender playing 11 games for Peel Thunder this season, including the club’s 2024 premiership. In one trade, Fremantle will not only look to secure Bolton but also retain access to Allan.

“I was really honoured to be selected in that squad,” Allan said of Peel’s grand final win over East Fremantle. “I had a little niggle during the finals and was lucky enough to be a late inclusion against the Swans in the prelim then made the cut for the grand final.

“It was elite. It was still really surreal as an 18-year-old winning a WAFL flag but I wouldn’t have done it with any other group of boys.

“We try to be on the same page there with the same game plan for when the Freo boys come back. They make it so good.

“Having played majority back at the start of the season, I had Tendai Mzungu from Freo as my coach. Having people like Hugh Davies and Ethan Hughes down there with me has been hugely helpful for my confidence and knowledge.

“It made it so much more comfortable and easy for me.”

Allan also spent a week training with the Dockers during pre-season as a member of the AFL Academy. He spoke to 16 different clubs at the combine and would be happy to go anywhere to live out his dream.

“It would mean the world,” Allan said. “As an 18-year-old, I’ve spent a big chunk of my life training for this.

“I love it. To get a chance at the highest level, I’d be over the moon.”

Allan was picked to play for WA in the Under-18 championships last year for depth. That was until he was asked to play a role on No. 1 draft pick Harley Reid by coach Ben Dyer.

“He told me I’d be playing on Harley when he was forward and (Zane) Duursma when he was resting forward,” Allan said.

“I looked at Benny for a little bit and wasn’t sure if he was joking. He gave me a pat on the back and that was it.

Fremantle is targeting Shai Bolton. Picture: Josh Chadwick/Getty Images.

“I started preparing straight away. I went home and told my parents and Dad was thrilled for me. He wanted me to embrace the opportunity and be confident. I never looked back.

“It was a big game for me. I took it with both hands and loved the opportunity. I had nothing to lose as an underager playing on him. The hype was real. He’s an unreal player. I have so much respect for him.”

This year, Allan was the headline act of WA’s squad, and this time his talent and leadership did the talking.

The Halls Head product started preparing for a mooted midfield move at the start of the season, playing two games with Peel’s Colts side before making his league debut.

Despite an injury concern on the eve of the National Championships, Allan averaged 19 disposals and 5.5 tackles in the engine room. His two goals against Vic Metro’s star-studded midfield drew particular praise as did his ability to unite the group as captain.

“Being named captain was a humbling experience for me and made me develop my leadership even more,” he said. “I was a bit more lead by example on-field but I developed my social side of leadership a lot more and connecting with boys outside of footy and getting to know everyone.

Bo Allan in action for WA in 2023. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“We were such a united group this year and the team camaraderie was unreal.”

Allan sees himself starting his AFL career as a defender but he’d like to eventually develop into a midfielder after a productive season on-ball.

“I’ll be more confident at this point down back but developing my skills in the midfield is something I pride myself on and what to improve on,” he said.

“There was a lot of learning I had to do really quickly to adapt to different playing styles. I got the chance in a few games at league level as well which was really enjoyable.

“It’s something I can see myself developing in. If I got the chance, I’d love to nail the craft down but I think I’m more than capable.”

Originally published as AFL trade: Why Bo Allan is the key factor in Richmond and Fremante’s trade over Shai Bolton