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.
Carlton
The Blues are looking to add another piece to their defensive set-up and need to grab a genuine ball user.
The Blues have delisted defenders Adam Saad, Zac Williams and Jordan Boyd and need another key rebounder, as Oliver Florent was the Blues' only player in the top 40 for average rebounds 50s while also topping their average metres gained.
Short would provide both elite usage by hand and foot and get the ball moving forward more often than not, having an 80.5% disposal efficiency throughout 2026.
They already tried to secure West Coast's Marcus Herbert on a two-year deal, but he ultimately re-signed with the Eagles, and they have been linked to GWS star Lachie Whitfield.
Short would come into Fraser's side to add to the Blues' newest defensive recruits over the past few years, including Nick Haynes, Wade Derksen and Florent.
Adelaide
The Crows need help down back in close games, and Short would provide Nicks' side with major territory gains in pressure moments.
Since Matthew Nicks took over as the Crows coach, almost a quarter of Adelaide's games, 35 out of 153, have been decided by a goal or less, in which the Crows have won only 13 of them.
Short's ability to generate massive territory and metres gained from the half-back line will help the Crows move the ball out of the defensive half, where they often get stuck.
Short would slot in alongside the likes of Mark Keane, Josh Worrell and James Borlase, while playing a similar role to Wayne Milera across their halfback line.
Collingwood
Short will give Collingwood another small user across the halfback to get back the free-flowing footy they lacked in 2026.
Short ranked 2nd for effective kicks in 2026 between Richmond and Collingwood, behind only Josh Daicos, which is pivotal to the Pies' ball movement.
Having Short across the defensive line may create a chance for Josh Daicos to go back to the wing position where he was awarded his first All-Australian blazer, and help to free up former Port Adelaide All-Australian Dan Houston, who has copped major criticism since moving to Collingwood.
Short would link up with the likes of Houston and Isaac Quaynor, who are really the only genuine defensive ball users.
Port Adelaide
Carr's side needs a prolific rebound 50 player.
In 2026, Port finished last for disposal efficiency, last for rebound 50's and third last for disposals, highlighting the need for a player like Short who can help boost the side's ball use.
Port's small defender stocks are slim besides Kane Farrell and Darcy Byrne-Jones.
Miles Bergman, Josh Lai and Logan Evans proved they are more than capable at AFL level, but they would all benefit from playing alongside a player of Short's calibre, although it wouldn't be unreasonable for him to not want to go to another bottom four side.
