Richmond rolled the dice at the selection table late last week, making seven changes for yesterday’s Round 15 clash with St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, bringing in several players from lengthy stints on the sidelines through injury.
The Tigers took the biggest punt on speedy, skilful small defender Jayden Short, who hadn’t played since dislocating his elbow in the Round 3 loss to Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium.
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Short, however, made a seamless transition back into the line-up and played a valuable role in Richmond’s important win.
He had 22 disposals, including a game-high six rebound-50s, four inside-50s, 706 metres gained, and generated considerable drive for the team with his customary line-breaking run.
That impressive first-up-from-a-spell performance by Short underlined why he is a pivotal member of the Tigers’ line-up, and why the selectors were so keen to get him back in as soon as possible.