In a special series leading into next week’s AFL national and rookie drafts, Richmond Media is looking at those members of the Tigers’ 2020 premiership team who have proven to be brilliant, bargain-basement buys for the Club. Our specific focus is on the start of their Tigerland journey. We turn our attention today to dual premiership small defender and this year’s Jack Dyer Medallist Jayden Short.
What the Richmond recruiters said about Short after he was drafted
“Richmond has selected Northern Knights utility Jayden Short with its first pick (selection 11) in the 2014 rookie draft.
The 18-year-old, who is proficient on both sides of his body, played 13 games for the Knights in the TAC Cup in 2014, averaging 22 disposals and four tackles, and kicking 12 goals.
He was named among the best players in eight of those matches.
Jayden missed the first two months of the season due to injury, but returned to have a strong impact in the back half of the TAC Cup season.
He showed the flexibility to play back, midfield and forward, and performed well in all positions.
He is a balanced player who has good skills on either side, and genuine speed to break the lines.
He is also composed with the footy and makes good decisions.”
Northern Knights Talent Manager at the time, Peter Kennedy, on Short
“He’s a player we’ve always considered a handy footballer and a player we thought could develop into a potential AFL player when he came here in under-14s.
This year we had high hopes he’d be a chance for Vic Metro but he had an injury right in the practice match period…that really cut him out of the opportunity to be selected for Vic Metro.
He had a really consistent year when he came back and played the next 13 games straight in the TAC Cup.
As the year went on, he took on more responsibility. He really developed in that role as a midfielder and showed versatility being able to play in a few positions.”
Richmond Media article on Short’s AFL debut
Jayden Short was in awe, but certainly not intimidated, by the huge crowd (72,761) and the atmosphere that pervaded the MCG in his senior debut for Richmond against Collingwood last Friday night.
The 20-year-old speedy, skilful small forward, kicked an equal team-high three goals and injected some valuable vitality into the Tigers’ attack.
On what turned out to be a disappointing evening for Richmond, Short clearly was a bright light in the one-point loss.
“It was amazing (the crowd and atmosphere),” Short said.
“I took it all in, in the warm-up . . . didn’t really take that much notice of it during the game.
“And three goals was just a little bit of a bonus . . . It was good.”
Short admitted to being extremely surprised to get a call-up to Richmond’s senior side on the same day he’d been elevated from the Club’s rookie list to primary playing list.
“I was a rookie yesterday (Thursday), and now I’ve just played my first senior game. So, definitely a very big surprise,” he said.
Star Richmond key forward Jack Riewoldt was full of praise for Short, and his initial performance, at the game’s highest level.
“If you could look inside ‘Shorty’, you’d know he had the biggest heart at our footy club,” Riewoldt said.
“The stature doesn’t tell the true story with Jayden.
“He impacted really early. I don’t think he had a heap of touches, but what he brings is a little bit of spark . . .
“It’s a great story. He was actually presented his jumper by Nathan Foley, who came through that similar path of the rookie draft, being bypassed in the national draft, and getting his debut game in his second season.
“To hit the scoreboard’s obviously great as a small forward, so I’m excited for him and rapt to see another young guy coming into our football club and playing his role.”
Short, like Richmond premiership teammates Liam Baker and Jason Castagna, made a highly-successful switch from one end of the ground to the other after his early time at Tigerland, developing into a top-class small defender.
Jayden Short fact file
Draft history: Richmond’s first pick (No. 11 overall) in the 2015 AFL rookie draft.
AFL debut: Round 2, 2016 v Collingwood, MCG.
Total games: 92
Goals: 20
Playing honours: Dual premiership player 2019, 2020, Richmond life member 2019, selected in the AFLPA’s 22-under-22 team 2018.
