Jayden Short on 'Sports Day':
AUDIO:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2016-08-10/short-on-sportsday-august-10th--------------------------------------------------
Short subsequently was recalled for the Round 12 match against Gold Coast at the MCG, in a new role as a small defender, and assigned the kick-in duties. In eight games since, Short has averaged 18.9 disposals per match. His speed, football ‘smarts’ and top-class kicking skills have combined to make him a valuable member of the Tigers’ backline. And, he’s adapted extremely well to the pressure associated with taking the kick-ins.
"At the start, I didn’t really think about it too much. I didn’t have much to lose, so I just tried to hit as many kicks as I can. But now that I’m in the team more often, it’s a bit more daunting. I don’t want to miss too many targets and I don’t want to get any goals scored against me . . .”
"One of the better things of my game is my kicking. Down forward, you sort of only to get to have a couple of shots on goal and maybe kick it to a couple of people. But down back, you get to set up the play and try and create a few things and make things happen. The backline’s fun. I get to back myself a fair bit. The coach has given me a fair bit of leniency in how I kick it, and where I kick it - just make up my mind up where I go."
"I wasn’t too fit in my first year, coming into the AFL system. I learned a fair bit in my first year and took that into my second pre-season. I’ll certainly be doing a lot of running and getting myself as fit as possible, so I can make pre-season as easy as possible for myself.”
Full article: http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-08-11/short-kicks-boost-tigers