Richmond premiership defender Jayden Short is open to a move away from Punt Road, but who would benefit most from his services?
Short has been a consistent player across his 12-year tenure with the Tigers, winning their best and fairest in 2020 and playing in the club's 2019 and 2020 premiership sides.
The 30-year-old has two years remaining on his contract but poses as a dashing defender who could elevate a finals contender's premiership hopes.
“He's been away and has come back now, and after meeting with him today, he will be looking at his options for 2027,” Short's manager Anthony McConville said in a statement to AFL Media.
It's understood a pair of Victorian clubs have shown interest in acquiring Short's services, while another duo could look to bolster their defensive half.
So if he was to explore his options, which clubs are the most likely to pick him up?
St Kilda
Short would provide the Saints with another much-needed ball user.
Although Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is the Saints' major ball winner across halfback, they lack another user down back when trying to move the ball forward. This is reflective of the fact that key defender Callum Wilkie topped the average rebounds-50s per game for them in 2026.
He would be great to have as another genuine kicking option alongside the likes of Jack Sinclair, while Jack Silvagni and Liam Stocker found their footing and proved to be more than capable.
The move could allow for Wanganeen-Milera to get more midfield time and let Brad Hill stay on the wing permanently, where he seems to keep getting better with age.
Injuries to both Jack Sinclair and Sam Flanders saw Marcus Windhager go down back at times throughout 2026, proving they need the depth in the position while helping the side find another avenue to goal.
