Jude Bolton is about to become only the fifth Sydney Swans/South Melbourne player to reach 250 games. Jude took time out prior to training on Wednesday to answer a few questions in the lead-up to his 250th game this Sunday.
Who did you idolise when you were a young kid growing up?
Robert Harvey. I used to be a St Kilda supporter and I’d wear the number 35 on my back, he was definitely my favourite player when I was a kid.
Who has been the most inspirational player you’ve played with at the Swans?
I’ve been really blessed to play with a lot of really good players. Paul Kelly comes to mind, Adam Goodes, Michael O’Loughlin and I’ve also played alongside Plugger (Tony Lockett) as well.
Do you often get asked if you and Craig Bolton are related?
These days not as much, but early on we used to get letters from people saying that the record was wrong, because it has ‘my’ brother as only being five months older than me, and people were questioning how that was possible
You grew up in Melbourne. Would you classify yourself a Sydney man now?
I would. I still have all my family down in Melbourne but I’ve been here 11 years and I’m married to a Sydney girl. I would have to call Sydney home now.
Do you play any other sport in your spare time?
I’d like to say I play golf but I’m very much a hack. I like having a bit of a hit around with the guys. I play with Nick Malceski who is a gun golfer, Ryan O’Keefe, and Jarrad McVeigh who sprays his shot quite a bit. I also love cricket and soccer.
You’ve played some great games throughout your career. Would you say that the Essendon game earlier in the year when you had 36 possessions, with a world record 26 of them being contested, was the best game you have ever played?
In that game I just went after the footy and it came off. I didn’t think I had that good a game but the statistics say otherwise. I think I’ve played better games before but there were different influences.
Who’s the best opposition player you’ve played against?
Chris Judd and Simon Black who are really good ball winners are always tough to play against. I have played on Robert Harvey before which was like a dream. It was a weird feeling, but he was such a supreme runner it was hard to keep up with him.
You haven’t missed many games in your career through injury. What would you say was the reason for being so durable?
Just making sure I look after myself. I have ice baths, do a lot of stretching and yoga as well. Also I have had a pretty lucky run in that sense that I haven’t had many injuries. We all just put full faith in our medical staff and follow their instructions.
What’s your career highlight?
Definitely the 2005 Grand Final. We are all lucky enough to play in a team sport, and to be able to celebrate on the biggest day with my mates and celebrate a Grand Final win is what it is all about. It was a great thrill!
Have you got your sights set on cracking 300 games?
That’s exactly what I want to do. I want to play 300 games and I want to play in another Premiership so that is definitely on the cards for the future.
