Sydney Swans hard nut Jude Bolton won an AFL record 26 contested possessions in his last game against Essendon, at the SCG in round 11 last year.

But the ever modest Bolton says that’s in the past and means nothing now. However the contested possession count of the team will be the focus on Sunday when the Swans take on the Bombers at ANZ Stadium.

Bolton says the Swans need to lift their effort in the contests if they are to have a chance against a resurgent Essendon side in front of a Sydney home crowd.

“Across the ground last week we let Melbourne win the footy in those tight contests, so to finish minus 34 (in contested possessions) was disappointing in an area we pride ourselves on, so that will be a focus this week,’’ Bolton said.

“We have a huge challenge against Essendon, they have strong bodies inside (the stoppages) with (Jobe) Watson and (Heath) Hocking and (Mark) McVeigh so we will look to combat that this week.’’

Bolton spent much of last Sunday’s game in the forward line and nabbed three goals and a contender for mark of the year.

At 31, and with 258 games under his belt, Bolton says he’s going back to where he began. “I started there, in the forward pocket next to Tony Lockett, I had to clear out space for Plugger,’’ Bolton laughed.

“It is part of the game to have that versatility.’’

Bolton said that was even more important now with the new limited interchange.

“That is the game these days, you have to be able to have a bit of versatility, you’ll see guys resting there in the forward line and having different spots they play to limit those rotations.’’

Bolton said players from all clubs were tired last week and the game was harder than ever.

“I feel  I can run out games but I certainly feel sorry for the guys who step into the game now as the game is more demanding each year and with limited interchange it makes it a lot tougher.’’