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SANDOVER medallist Jye Bolton believes he could make an immediate impact at AFL level next season if a club offers him another shot at the big time.
Several clubs have shown interest in the hard-running Claremont midfielder and ex-Collingwood rookie since he clinched the WAFL's best player award ahead of former Fremantle onballer Matt De Boer.
Bolton was at the Magpies in 2011 but only played one pre-season game and felt underprepared for life as an elite footballer having come from outside the TAC Cup system.
But fresh off a dominant year for the Tigers, the 24-year-old knows he is more than capable of stepping up to AFL level and is set to meet with clubs in the coming weeks.
"The last few years playing in the VFL (for Werribee) you come up against a lot of AFL-listed blokes, even in the WAFL as well … and feel like you've definitely won the battle for the day and they're playing AFL a week or two later," Bolton told AFL.com.au.
"I feel as though I'm playing good enough footy to warrant selection in a senior side.
"I know I've got a lot of improvement to do, but I think if I came onto a list I'd be able to contribute to a team straight away."
Bolton averaged 29 disposals in 20 games for Claremont and also took home the Simpson Medal as WA's best player with 46 touches and two goals in a 134-point rout of Tasmania in June.
It was a stunning season, especially considering he couldn't train before Christmas due to a broken foot, and Bolton partly credits Claremont for welcoming him with open arms for his stellar form.
Even now in the off-season he has been catching up with his teammates for extra fitness training running up and down Perth's hills and beaches, plus additional skills sessions, around his job as a real estate agent.
Already a running machine with a penetrating kick and strong contested mark, Bolton knows he has plenty of scope for improvement in areas such as defensive transition that coaches in a full-time program would hone in on.
"I know personally I've got heaps of development left in my game," he said.
"If I was to go into an AFL system and full-time environment, I think that my game would improve a lot because I've got so much learning to do.
"If it doesn't work out, I'll still be working with my coaches to play the best footy I possibly can.
"My focus is now trying to play a role that gives our team the best chance at winning a premiership.
"If getting on a list or individual recognition comes along with that, then that's great, but it's still just trying to play my role the best I can for our team."
With the NAB AFL Draft in Sydney looming on November 25 and rookie draft following that, Bolton is keeping his fingers crossed.
He could become the fifth Sandover medallist drafted since 2006, following in the footsteps of Matt Priddis (2006), Hayden Ballantyne (2008), Andrew Krakouer (2010) and Kane Mitchell (2012).
"If I was given the chance I would leave absolutely no stone unturned," Bolton said.
"I would do everything to repay the faith in a club that gave me a chance."
