TWO-time premiership utility Jayden Short has AFL shunned free agency to re-sign with Richmond on a five-year extension until the end of 2027.
Short, 26, has enjoyed an outstanding season, playing as a half-back and midfielder, averaging 28.2 disposals and five rebound-50s per game.
“I want to repay the club; I have had some very good times here already, and I am looking forward to the next five years,” he said in a statement.
“I started as a small little chubby kid, probably just trying to find my way, and I have had some great people around me that have taught me how to be an AFL footballer.
“It has been a good journey and something I am very proud of; now I am looking forward to building on that and continuing to try and get better each year.”
Short has played 121 games since being selected in the 2014 rookie draft.
He missed out on the breakthrough 2017 premiership, despite playing 16 games that year, but established himself as a key player from 2018 onwards.
Short won a premiership in 2019 then claimed Richmond’s best and fairest in the 2020 flag-winning season.
“Jayden has been a consistent performer for us across recent years, and this contract extension is a reward for his application across that period,” Richmond general manager of football talent Blair Hartley said.
“He plays football the Richmond way.”
(C) AAP 2022