Short is a 4th string backman he cant even defend which is the primary job of a defender, the side and the defence improved when he wasn't there in 2017 and won a flag,.
Short can go to the wing or up the ground but his weak efforts in the finals last year stood out he is a poor defender.
Opposition clubs will play through him and his man in finals.
I'd much rather Jayden rotate off a wing where he can use his strengths ie his kicking to switch play, clear defensive set ups across our our half forward line and kick goals from long range.
I just don't know if he has the ability to cover the ground required to play that role though like Ellis, Lambo, Shedda or Grover do.
I hear you, though we differ on Short’s abilities.
More to the point, why do we need the defensive cover you outline?
Why does everyone in the back six need to be a stopper?
Astbury and Grimes will stop their men.
Rance and Vlastuin will intercept and support-spoil.
Shorty and Houli will run and receive. You can bet one will be sat on in a final, freeing the other.
Why keep Broad in this equation when all he does is stop his man (less well than Grimes and Astbury) or intercept (less we’ll than Rance or Vlastuin).
No mistake, Broad has been very solid. But you don’t keep him for the sake of defensive grit.
No oppo has four medium-talls we absolutely must sit on.