Richmond’s first pick (No. 11 overall) in this week’s AFL Rookie Draft, Jayden Short, has an elite football trait that’s bound to delight his new coach Damien Hardwick.

Short, who played TAC Cup football with the Northern Knights, was ranked the best kick in the under-18s competition. 

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“Champion Data stats ranked him the best kick in the competition, with 77.4% efficiency,” said the Northern Knights talent manager Peter Kennedy.

“Very much his kicking was his point of difference.

“I can’t tell what foot he kicks with – he is superb on both sides . . .”

Along with his kicking skills, Short possesses impressive running ability, and the versatility to be used effectively in a variety of on-field roles.

“He’s a good athlete.  He ran 2.98 at the (AFL) combine (for the 20-metre sprint),” Kennedy said.

“He is more of an outside player type who can play midfield in spurts from half-forward or on a wing.”