Talented small forward-turned small defender Jayden Short reflects on his debut season of league football with the Tigers . . .

Beyond wildest dreams

“At the start of the year I was still a rookie, so one game would have been amazing for me.  I managed to get 16 in, so it was pretty cool . . . I debuted as a forward and kicked three goals against Collingwood and it was pretty exciting.”

The case for the defence

“I think me going down back was probably the best thing for me.  I was pretty comfortable and I think I can just use my kicking ability as a backman, rather than as a forward . . . As a junior, I played wherever the coach put me, so I was down back a fair bit.  It was fairly new, but I think I knew how to work it down there.”

Learning and loving life as a backman

There are some quick forwards out there.  You need to be on your toes the whole time, especially when you take the smallest ones . . . they’re always nice and quick.  But ‘Rancey’ (Alex Rance) taught me a lot throughout the time I played down there.  He knows everything, so it’s good to pick his pocket a bit.  Myself and Oleg (Markov) down there together, was pretty cool . . . a couple of young boys.  We had fun down there.”

Goals for 2017

“I haven’t really set any goals at this point in time, but I think my overall strength over the pre-season will be a big part of it.  Obviously, keeping fit and just nailing down on some defensive work, rather than offense.  I think I’ll try and play as many games as I can.  AFL’s amazing, so I just want to be in the team.”