Richmond has upgraded skilful, speedy small forward Jayden Short from the rookie list to its primary playing list as a replacement for Reece Conca, who has been placed on the Club’s long-term injury list because of a severe hamstring problem.

Short, 20, 177cm and 72kg, was taken by the Tigers with their first pick (No. 11 overall) in the AFL’s rookie draft at the end of 2014.

The former Northern Knights ace showed some promising signs at VFL level for Richmond last year, both up forward and through the midfield, before an ankle injury sidelined him for the final few weeks of the season.

Now, after an impressive pre-season, he’s earned a promotion to the Tigers’ senior list.

“He did a lot of work running in the off-season, and he came back and ran some PB’s (in the pre-season),” said Richmond’s senior development coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams.

“At training, he’s been a standout with his tackling, his chasing and goalkicking . . .

“He’s probably improved as much as any of our young players from last year to this year.”