JUDE Bolton just refuses to act his age. He's just turned 31, but perhaps because of the young company he is now keeping in the Swans' midfield, he's playing more like someone starting his career than one approaching the end.
In the 260th game of a career that began in 1999 - the past 134 dating back to June 2005 in succession - Bolton was again exceptional and inspirational in Sydney's 13-point win over its old adversary West Coast in Perth on Saturday night.
As he did in the first two games of the season, he was a goal kicker, but the statistic that stood out was his AFL-record 19 tackles, surpassing the previous best of 16 held jointly by Brisbane Lions' Jared Brennan and Geelong's Jimmy Bartel.
While his midfield partner Brett Kirk is no longer there, Bolton is making up for his absence and after three games he is averaging more than 10 tackles a match.
''I think it means I'm second to the footy and you probably want to get inside your opponent a bit more really,'' Bolton said, playing down his 19-tackle effort.
''It was a good win for our guys. I think we had over 100 tackles as a team and it was great to really dig in and tough out a big win.
''I'm just keeping myself in the game and just love playing footy. I got myself really fit early on. I've tapered off at different times, and the physios at times have wanted to bring me back a little bit and do a bit of off-legs stuff at times to keep the body going.
'' I'm feeling fresh and fit and I'm just excited about playing with some of the younger players in the group. Lining up alongside guys like Lewis Jetta and even Alex Johnson in his first game [on Saturday], it was great to see him contribute at different times.
''It's a good group and we're all excited about turning up to training. For older guys like myself, when you've got some good young kids coming into the side, that enthusiasm rubs off.''
Bolton was involved in all those tense clashes between Sydney and the West Coast when both teams were at the peak of their games, including the Swans' four-point grand final win in 2005 and their one-point loss in the 2006 decider.
He hopes the rivalry will continue for some time to come, and feels the group got more than just four competition points from Saturday's win. ''I thing it galvanises your belief in your game plan and gives the guys confidence that they can handle themselves under intense pressure,'' he said. ''That's what you want to get out of those games. We want to build on the momentum.
''We've got a really tough challenge next week against a team in Geelong that have had our measure over the last number of years [(Sydney have lost the past eight to the Cats]. They are one of the benchmark sides and we want to find our feet against them and turn up to play.''
Swans coach John Longmire kept his unbeaten start to his coaching career, but with a draw against Melbourne, then late, come-from-behind wins against Essendon and West Coast, he isn't getting an easy ride.
''Fortunately this group over a long period of time has been known for having a go for four quarters. That's been the most pleasing and for a number of years now, even when they look out of the game, they will just find a way,'' he said.
''Hopefully some of the younger players are learning that as well.''
Longmire said he was hopeful injured defender Tadhg Kennelly would be available to play the Cats this week.
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