‘2020 started pretty sh*t for me’: Jayden Short’s heartfelt acceptance speech after Tigers BnF boiloverBen Waterworth
October 27, 2020 Source: FOX SPORTS
Gun defender Jayden Short has delivered a raw, heartfelt acceptance speech and opened up about a tough year off the field following his boilover win at Richmond’s best and fairest count.
Speaking to Tigers players and staff at the stripped-back club champion function on Monday, Short said it was a “great honour” to take out the award but then opened up on a difficult season off the field.
Short wore a black armband every game this season as a tribute to his father, who passed away at the start of the year.
“Obviously 2020 started pretty sh*t for me. I lost my old man,” an emotional Short said. “I didn’t know what was going to happen this year.
“To win this it’s an amazing feeling and it’s a little bit of recognition for a little bit of hard work that I’ve had to put in along the way.
“I love this club, I love this group, the coaches.”
Short paid tribute to his family, who were primarily based outside of Queensland for the year.
“I just want to say thanks to my mum, my sister, my girlfriend. They’re doing it tough in Melbourne,” Short said holding back tears. “Left my mum and my sister at home, lost me old man so that’s pretty challenging in itself.
“But I’m proud of you guys and I love you to bits.
“Thanks to my girlfriend for all the support, all my mates back home, all you players, coaches and the staff for making this such an enjoyable place.
“I’ve honestly loved my time here. Obviously it’s had its challenges this year but it’s an unbelievable place to be and I love everyone.
“Sorry if I’ve missed anyone, but thanks.”
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said Short was “a wonderful young and he’s a wonderful Richmond man”.
“To hear him speak today about his family and the fact he lost his father earlier in the year was incredibly moving,” Hardwick told Fox Footy’s On The Couch.
“It’s an incredible honour to his dad, he strived for that. He really gets the reward he deserves.”
Short was ranked among the league’s top 10 players this season for averaged kicks, metres gained and running bounces.
“He’s been a revelation. He’s played in our last two premierships – he missed the 2017 one, played 18 games that season – but he had a wonderful year,” Hardwick said.
“He’s a very, very important player to us, the way he moves the ball. He’s an outstanding teammate, he’s very popular amongst our playing group.
“He’s probably a little bit underrated but he had an incredible season and it’s well deserved.”
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