Former Sydney hard-man Jude Bolton has rejected comparisons between himself and rising AFL star Luke Parker, rating the younger man a much better footballer.
Parker has been one of the Swans’ best and most consistent performers this season, holding his own in the competition’s strongest midfield.
The 21-year-old’s stunning mark and goal just before half-time in last Friday’s preliminary final win over North Melbourne was among the year’s best, and has helped shoot him into favouritism for the Norm Smith Medal ahead of Saturday’s grand final against Hawthorn.
Some pundits consider him a carbon copy of Bolton, who played 325 games and won two premierships with the Swans before retiring last year.
“He’s far and away a better footballer than me,” Bolton admitted on Wednesday.
“He’s got enormous talent.
“I don’t think I ever took an overhead mark to be honest – he was sitting on (ruckman Mike) Pyke’s head last week.
“He’s a great footballer and I wish him really well this week on the big stage.
“Hopefully, if all goes well, the team could be a premiership team.”
Parker was a sub in the Swans’ 2012 grand final victory but is a certain starter this year.
Lewis Roberts-Thomson, another one of the club’s recently-retired favourite sons, joined the chorus of praise for the youngster, whom he believes was unlucky to miss out on All-Australian selection.
“He’s proven this year that he’s taken that added responsibility in his stride and he’s playing exceptionally well,” Roberts-Thomson said.
“He’s an extremely valuable member of this footy club and no doubt he’ll be looking to have a big game on the weekend.”
While happy to accept the plaudits, Parker is keen to downplay his influence on the Swans’ side.
He credited players like Josh Kennedy, Kieren Jack and Dan Hannebery with helping accelerate his development.
“The players around me are outstanding,” Parker told AAP.
“We’ve got such a great midfield and the depth that we have is really strong.
“Once you start learning how each other plays, it helps you play your game.
“Personally, I haven’t been doing anything special to change the game; I’ve just been playing my role.
“And that’s the same with everyone else.”
