Claremont Champion Chasing Elusive PremiershipWednesday, September 10, 2025 - 1:37 PM

Dual Sandover Medallist Jye Bolton concedes time is running out for him to achieve premiership success as he contemplates his football future.

Bolton’s Tigers have reached yet another Preliminary Final after outclassing Perth in the First Semi Final.

Now, Claremont faces East Perth foe the right to reach their third Grand Final in six years.

“Reaching a preliminary final is a great achievement for our club and all those that contribute to our on field success,” Bolton said.

“In saying that, we didn’t set out the year to get this far, and we are certainly not satisfied as a group.

“We have a lot more work to do to reach our goal for the year.”

Claremont couldn’t match the East Perth intensity in the Qualifying Final, but Bolton is convinced his side is better prepared this this time.

“I am very confident we can reverse the result of the first final against the Royals,” he said.

“I have huge belief in our group and believe we can come together as a 22, play our brand of football and get the result we want.”

Regular finalists, the Tigers reached the 2020 and 2022 premiership deciders only to go down in narrow defeats on both days.

“This group is incredibly hungry,” Bolton said.

“We have been so close and around the mark for many years and we want to make this one count.

“We have a big task of facing a great team in East Perth first.

“In terms of South Fremantle, they have clearly been the benchmark for the year.

“Anything can happen on the big day, and if we are the team that get to challenge them at Optus Stadium, I believe we will have just as much chance as what they will of winning on the day.”

The 33 year-old has played 191 WAFL games and still averages 28 disposals through 20 matches in 2025.

But the commitment of football and his career away from the game means a big decision is looming.

“I have been thinking whether it is my last year over the last few seasons,” Bolton said.

“I will have to wait and see until the end of the year and how I am feeling as to whether I will be coming back for another season.

“Semi-professional football is tough, especially juggling footy with my career as an investment advisor at Euroz Hartleys.

“It can be very demanding in terms of the hours required.

“At this stage I am completely focussed on the game against the Royals this weekend.”