Skilful, small Tiger Jayden Short is making solid progress from off-season shoulder surgery and preparing for a new on-field role in 2018.
Short, 21 (he turns 22 late next month), played 16 of Richmond’s first 17 games in 2017, before losing his place in the senior side.
He subsequently excelled at VFL level, but couldn’t force his way back into a strong Tigers’ team that went on to win the AFL premiership.
After starting his league football career with Richmond as a small forward, and then developing into a rebounding defender, Short is now eyeing a move into the midfield. But first he must get through his rehabilitation program, to ensure the shoulder is 100 percent ready to go again.
“I had a shoulder reconstruction the week after the Grand Final and I missed four to five weeks (of off-season training),” Short told ‘Roar Vision’.
“I’ve been back running about six weeks now and the shoulder’s feeling really good . . .
“They’ve put some bone in there to stop it slipping out. And, obviously, you lose a bit of strength . . . I lost about four to five kilos.
“I’m trying to get that back on and make the shoulder as strong as I can, to prevent it popping out again.”
Short at least didn’t have to endure the shoulder surgery on his own. He had the close company of a teammate throughout . . .
“Oleg (Markov) had the same surgery, the same day as well,” Short said.
“We were in the same room. I had surgery about two hours before him and then we stayed in hospital for two nights in the same room together.
“So that was a bit of an experience, but it was good to have him there.
“We’re working together in ‘rehab’ and we’re getting each other through.”
Short’s goal for season 2018 is to break back into Richmond’s senior line-up and cement his place there, in the new role that he’s been earmarked for.
“After sitting down with ‘Dimma’ (coach Damien Hardwick) and the other coaches, I’ve moved into the midfield line for this pre-season,” he said.
“They want me to learn the wing role, and also the half-back role. So then I can move onto the wing, as well as half-back if I do come into the team.
“I’m looking forward to the wing.
“I love using my pace and my run, so it’s good.”
