Dual premiership player Jayden Short has been rushed out of winless Richmond’s clash with Melbourne on Friday night after his wife Maddy went into labour. The couple announced the impending arrival of their first child last November. Family has now come first for Short, 30, over the Anzac Eve blockbuster with the Demons.
Richmond were already without acting captain Tim Taranto (concussion), Maurice Rioli Jr (hamstring) and Sam Banks (shoulder). However, in a positive development, Tom Lynch will return alongside Jacob Hopper and Tom Brown. Last year’s No.7 draft pick Sam Cumming has also finally secured his chance after a shoulder injury cruelled his early-season hopes, while supplemental selection period signing Tom Burton will also pick up his first guernsey — bringing Richmond’s tally to 36 players used in seven games this season. James Trezise has come into the side to replace Short.
Short’s absence means he is now in line to reach the 200-game milestone in Dreamtime at the ‘G against Essendon next month. The Tigers’ fourth-most experienced player remains part of their leadership group despite no longer holding a formal vice-captaincy role. Short proposed to Maddy on an off-season holiday in 2023 and the pair celebrated their wedding in January last year. He will now become one of few dads among the Richmond players with the club in the midst of a significant rebuild.
