FORMER Bundoora and Mill Park junior Jayden Short realised every young footballer’s dream when he was drafted to the big time today.
Short was selected by Richmond with selection 11 in the 2014 Rookie Draft.
Short was the only NFL junior to be selected by an AFL club this year, but was one of four players from TAC Cup side Northern Knights to be drafted.
Kyle Langford was selected by Essendon with pick 17 in the National Draft, while Reece McKenzie (pick 77 in the National Draft) and Jason Castagna (pick 29 in the Rookie Draft) were also selected by Richmond.
The Knights’ 2009 best and fairest winner Kane Lambert was also drafted to the Tigers today with pick 46. Lambert was rewarded for consecutive dominant seasons in the VFL with Northern Blues and, more recently, Williamstown.
Northern Knights Talent Manager Peter Kennedy said Short had enjoyed a strong season in the TAC Cup, following a broken jaw during the pre-season.
In particular, his kicking was a standout feature. Champion Data statistics showed Short to be the most effective kick in the TAC Cup in 2014, recording a 73 per cent kicking efficiency.
“He’s a player we’ve always considered a handy footballer and a player we thought could develop into a potential AFL player when he came here in under-14s,” Kennedy said.
“This year we had high hopes he’d be a chance for Vic Metro but he had an injury right in the practice match period…that really cut him out of the opportunity to be selected for Vic Metro.
“He had a really consistent year when he came back and played the next 13 games straight in the TAC Cup.
“As the year went on he took on more responsibility. He really developed in that role as a midfielder and showed versatility being able to play in a few positions.”
Richmond Recruiting Manager Francis Jackson echoed Kennedy’s sentiments, acknowledging Short’s versatility as a reason behind him being drafted.
“He showed the flexibility to play back, midfield and forward, and performed well in all positions,” Jackson said on Richmondfc.com.au.
“He is a balanced player who has good skills on either side, and genuine speed to break the lines.
“He is also composed with the footy and makes good decisions.”
Short joins a long list of former Northern Football League players to join Richmond in recent years, following in the footsteps of club captain Trent Cotchin, Dylan Grimes, Nick Vlastuin, Ben Lennon and recently retired Jake King.
His career with the AFL club will begin immediately, flying out to Townsville this afternoon to join the Tigers on their summer training camp.
This photo is courtesy of Wayne Hawkins and Star Weekly.
