Jayden Short has burst out of the blocks this season.

Following an injury-interrupted 2025, the dual Richmond premiership star rebounding defender and 2020 Jack Dyer Medallist has been a major yellow and black positive after two rounds.

It’s a small sample size, but Short, who was restricted to 15 games last season because of a calf complaint, is averaging 31.0 disposals, 11.5 marks, 5.5 rebound-50s, 4.5 inside-50s, 6.0 score involvements, 3.0 intercepts and 741.5 metres gained.

After a 29-disposal display against Carlton in Round 1, Short went even better against Gold Coast at the MCG last Saturday, racking up a game-high 33 disposals and AFL career-high 28 uncontested possessions, along with a team-high 13 marks, a game-high six rebound-50s, four inside-50s, three score involvements and a game-high 730 metres gained.

It was Short’s most disposals in a match since Round 4, 2022 against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG, when he recorded a career-high 35.

Short, who turned 30 last January, is such an important member of the young Tigers team due to his experience, leadership qualities and the drive he generates through his run-and-carry.