Jayden Short pressing claims for beefed-up contract offer as Tigers continue hunt for Tom Lynch

RICHMOND’S salary cap squeeze to find room to accommodate Tom Lynch means the club still has around half its list out of contract. But after a below-par offer one Tiger is backing himself in.

Jayden Short is part of the Tigers’ back half. Picture SARAH REED

EXCITING Tigers rebound defender Jayden Short will attempt to prove his worth to his club after rejecting a below-par contract offer.

Short has played every game this year as a composed and hard-running defender after missing last season’s Grand Final team despite a 16-game season.

But he is one of a number of young Tigers who have had their management hold off on signing deals until they can prove they are worth pay rises.

SUPER RANKINGS: TIGERS DEFENDER TOPS ROUND 13 RATINGS

SUPERCOACH: THE BEST TRADE OPTIONS AFTER ROUND 13

BAROMETER: DECIMATED DOGS HEADLINE INJURY LISTS

The Tigers’ salary cap squeeze to find room to accommodate Tom Lynch means the club still has around half of its list out of contract.

Short, 22, has seamlessly slotted into the half back role after Nathan Broad’s early suspension and Bachar Houli’s recent soft-tissue concerns.

Short and young forward Callum Moore have had their management park talks until they put together a more complete body of work this year.

Richmond's Jayden Short is backing himself to earn a better contract offer. Pic: Michael Klein

Moore was dropped from the senior side but kicked five goals straight in the VFL over the weekend including an extraordinary goal of the year contender.

Running towards the behind post he handballed the ball in the air to keep it in play, ran around the behind post, collected it mid-air and snapped a freak goal from the angle.

Richmond’s VFL team is on top of the ladder at 8-2 with a percentage of 168, a key aspect of their success as the AFL team also sits in first place.

Ryan Garthwaite was able to make his debut and slot in seamlessly in the absence of veteran defender David Astbury (ankle) against Geelong.

Small forward Shai Bolton has been able to push into the midfield and add another string to his bow given the list of small forwards in his position in the senior side.

The Tigers remain in a strong position to recruit Lynch, whose former coach Rodney Eade said he was certain to leave on Sunday.

He caught up with his management over the weekend on the Gold Coast but seems certain to wait until year’s end to make his decision official.

Lynch dispelled growing doubts over the nature of his knee injury with a strong performance in the Suns’ dramatic loss to St Kilda.

After the bye Richmond takes on Sydney at Etihad Stadium, with Astbury likely to return from his ankle issues.

Bachar Houli said on Sunday he was 2-3 weeks away from a return, with Dion Prestia being given a mini pre-season because of continual soft-tissue concerns.

Tom Lynch fired despite his team’s loss to St Kilda. Pic: Getty Images

Watch every match of every round of the 2018 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. SIGN UP NOW >