Richmond defender Jayden Short says he’s used missing out on last year’s premiership as a motivating factor to ensure he is part of the Tigers’ tilt at this season’s flag.
Short has successfully locked down a regular spot in Damien Hardwick’s best 22 in 2018, playing all 15 games so far and impressing with his run and ball use off half-back, averaging almost 20 disposals per match.
While enjoying being around the club during their drought-breaking season, the 22-year-old is determined to be involved in September action this time around, with the reigning premiers raging favourites to go back-to-back for the first time since 1974.
“I saw how much fun the boys had and I sort of didn’t want to put myself in a position where I was going to miss out like that again,” Short told SEN’s Crunch Time.
“I used that was a bit of motivation to keep myself in the team and play the best footy that I can.
“It was still a good place to be; it was still exciting and I was still around the club with all the boys, I just wasn’t in the team.
“I did the most I could to try and get myself back in there, but it didn’t happen.
“It was a great place to be. It was obviously a successful year so I still had fun while I was there."
Short is out of contract at the end of the season, but remained tight-lipped regarding his future.
“I’m trying to play the best I can and I’ll let my manager deal with that. I’m just enjoying my footy and being in the team,” he said.
“I’m just trying to hold my spot and do the most I can for the team.”
Listen to Jayden Short's chat on SEN's Crunch Time in the player below