Dual premiership Tiger and Jack Dyer Medallist Jayden Short has committed his long-term future to Richmond, inking a five-year deal to remain at the Club.

The contract extension will see the 26-year-old, who has played 121 games since being selected in the 2014 rookie draft, tied to Richmond until the end of 2027.

Short, who qualified as a free agent under AFL rules, has started 2022 in outstanding form, averaging 28 disposals (No. 1 at Richmond) and five rebounds per game.

The 2020 best and fairest winner said it was hard to see himself playing anywhere other than Richmond.

“It is really exciting. I am very lucky and grateful for the Club giving me a long-term contract,” he said.

“I want to repay the Club; I have had some very good times here already, and I am looking forward to the next five years.”

Short said he had been fortunate to be drafted to Richmond, giving him a chance to learn from a host of seasoned professionals.

“I started as a small little chubby kid, probably just trying to find my way, and I have had some great people around me that have taught me how to be an AFL footballer,” he said.

“It has been a good journey and something I am very proud of; now I am looking forward to building on that and continuing to try and get better each year.”

Richmond General Manager- Football Talent, Blair Hartley, said it was pleasing to secure Short’s signature for the long-term.

“Jayden has been a consistent performer for us across recent years, and this contract extension is a reward for his application across that period,” he added.

“He plays football the Richmond way and is a popular teammate and person around the football club. We are looking forward to seeing him continue to improve his game across the next five years.”