Dual Richmond premiership star small defender Jayden Short is poised to take his game to an even higher level in the 2021 season, on the back of the AFL’s new standing on the mark interpretation.

The reigning Jack Dyer Medallist produced an outstanding performance for the Tigers in last night’s AAMI Community Series victory over Collingwood at Marvel Stadium.

With the man on the mark now basically forced to stand like a statue and not move, lest he give away a 50-metre penalty, players with elite kicking skills such as Short are going to thrive, as he showed so emphatically against the Magpies.

He racked up 43 disposals (35 kicks, eight handballs), took 12 marks and had nine intercepts, seven score involvements, six inside-50s and a whopping 958 metres gained.

“I want the ball in my hands, and if they’re going to give me some space, I’m going to take it. So, I love the new rule,” Short told Fox Footy post-match.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how it goes throughout the year, but I think it went well tonight.

“My game’s probably based on territory, but whatever the opposition defence is going to give us, I’ll look to try and use it that way . . .

“I’m not really sure if I go corridor or skinny. I just make it up as I go and, hopefully, a nice kick comes off, because I don’t really handball.”