Essendon supporters slashed Mark Bolton’s player rating by a full point after season 2004 but cut him some slack saying it wasn’t necessarily of his own doing. Essendon fans felt Bolton wasn't allowed to settle in one position and he suffered as a result. Some felt with his athletic ability he should be given a role in the midfield.

2004

Games – 23
Goals - 6
Kicks - 141
Marks - 98
Handballs - 115

2004 Fan’s ranking: 5.64 / 10

2003

Games - 21
Goals - 12
Kicks - 137
Marks - 88
Handballs - 94

2003 Fan's Rating: 6.96 / 10

What some of the Essendon fans had to say:

""Starting to think Bolts' flexibility is actually holding him back. Hope he finds a set position for the majority of the year. Would love to see him dominate a position all year,"" Justin Woodward.

""Always tries hard but often is the odd man out, being put in a spot to fill a hole. And the CHF, CHB positions don’t seem to suit him. A super athlete, so why not give him a go on the wing or in the midfield,"" Jake Sluiter.

""Has just been really disappointing considering he was in the top ten in the draft. The St.kilda game showed his inefficiencies as both forwards kicked a total of 7 goals for the game. I don't believe he is good enough to play for Essendon,"" Bill Papageorgiou

""Seemed out of place this year. Missed Jacobs down back, so didn't have the freedom to run that made him a more dangerous and exciting player in 2003. Hopefully he will find his position that allows him to show his full potential,"" Amanda Kammerer.

""Tough season for Mark, had to play in a variety of positions in which he sometimes looked uncomfortable. Is a senior player now so must deliver at a consistently high level,"" Leon de Gaye.

""I know Mark's a hard worker, but I also know he has a lot more to give and the only thing stopping him is belief in himself that he can play anywhere and make a difference. Perhaps if Sheeds’ allowed him to settle in one position we might see the champion I know he is!"" Phyllis Skaftouros.

""Played well early in the season but seemed to loose all confidence when Riewoldt and Gehrig kicked goals on him in Rd 17. Needs to get back to backing himself and run out of defence,"" Steven Barker.

""I cannot agree with anybody saying that Mark was a solid contributor this year. He has gone backwards over the last 2 years after a great 2002. Cannot command playing on a top forward (eg Gehrig, Riewodt, Hall) and does not present as a top forward. Career at the crossroads and needs to establish himself in a set position, maybe the wing,"" John Kerr.