Jayden Short’s booming right boot has become a major weapon for Richmond this season.
The quick, slick small defender is generating considerable drive for the Tigers through his ability to consistently break the lines and superb long kicking to advantage.
He played a pivotal role in Richmond’s victory over Sydney at the SCG last Thursday night, with 20 disposals, five marks, seven inside-50s, three rebound-50s, a massive, game-high 722 metres gained and two valuable goals.
The first of those goals came with just over a minute remaining in the first quarter and the Tigers holding a 12-point advantage.
Star Tiger key forward Jack Riewoldt marked the ball about 60 metres out from goal and, realising it was just beyond his kicking range, dished off a handball to an unattended Short, who had quietly moved alongside him.
Short took a few steps and then coolly slotted a towering drop punt through the big sticks, prompting respected Channel Seven commentator, former Geelong star Cameron Ling, to state on the telecast, “Someone from the Swans was not aware of how that bloke can roost a footy. Jayden Short is a beautiful kick of the ball.”
After 15 rounds this season, Short is averaging 19.5 disposals, 4.7 rebound-50sand 4.1 marks per game.
He’s ranked second in the competition for metres gained (an average of 495 metres per game), sixth for rebound-50s and 11th for total kicks.
And, as good as he is on the right foot, he’s not exactly shabby on the left, either, as he’s shown several times during matches.
