Richmond premiership defender Jayden Short will explore his options despite holding a contract at the Tigers until 2028 after hitting a trigger this year.
Collingwood looms as a potential destination for next year, with the 30-year-old having relationships with key Collingwood movers and shakers. Magpies coach Craig McRae and right-hand man Justin Leppitsch spent significant time at Punt Road before switching allegiances.
According to AFL Media, Short's agent Anthony McConville confirmed his intention for a fresh start.
"He's been away and come back now, and after meeting with him today, he will be looking at his options for 2027," McConville said.
"There are a number of clubs interested and he's keeping an open mind."
St Kilda is also understood to be interested in Short's services.
The Pies are believed to have all but secured the services of dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale and Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan, as they look to go all in on another premiership assault.
The acquisition of the Short would, in theory, free up Josh Daicos to ply his trade further up the field, as opposed to harvesting less damaging disposals in the back half.
The rumoured interest in Short comes as chatter persists that prized recruit Dan Houston is on the way out from Collingwood, after his high-profile move has failed to bear the fruit both the club and the player had hoped. Short would capably fill that void, as, similarly to Houston, his kicking is his greatest strength.
Short did experience some regression in 2025, unable to replicate the lofty standards set for himself as a younger man, under a different coach, earlier this decade. With a year left on his contract, a money-ball-type play from the Pies makes sense, as they cling to the end of their current premiership window.
As for the Saints, the interest could come to free up Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Marcus Windhager from defensive roles, as it would for Jack Sinclair.
