Richmond’s senior development coach Mark ‘Choco’ Williams provides an insightful summary of the development of second-year Tiger Jayden Short.

“I think Jayden was probably a fair way off it last year, and he knew that.

“He’s come back (in the pre-season) with a great attitude . . .

“He did a lot of work running in the off-season and he came back and ran some PB’s. 

“He’s been working with Craig McRae a lot since he’s come over (as Richmond’s VFL coach). 

“Craig played a very similar sort of role in his illustrious career at Brisbane. 

“I actually coached Craig at Glenelg (in the SANFL), when I first started coaching. 

“There are similar traits as far as their running ability and their goal sense . . . 

“Craig keeps talking about where the ball’s going to fall, where you need to run and then, if you haven’t got the ball, what you have to do.

“Jayden’s not going to let (the Tigers’ talented first pick from last year’s National Draft) Daniel Rioli just jump into a spot.  He plays that similar (small forward’s) role. 

“At training, he’s been a standout with his tackling, his chasing and goalkicking. 

“So he’s some sort of chance (of gaining senior selection this season) . . .

“He’s probably improved as much as any of our young players from last year to this year.”