10 VFL matches with averages of 13 disposals per game. 2016 season In March 2016 Short was upgraded to Richmond's senior list, replacing the injured Reece Conca. He made his debut in round 2 of that season and kicked a goal with his first kick in league football. Short finished the game with an equal team-high three goals. In that match he also suffered a minor shoulder injury, but opted not to treat it with reparative surgery. He followed the match up with a poor performance the following week and was subsequently dropped to the club's reserves side. When he returned to the senior side in round 7 he played significant game-time as a small defender, having been trialed in the role in VFL matches the previous month. He remained in the side for three weeks before being dropped for matches in round 10 and 11. He did not miss another match after returning to play the in round 12. He finished his debut season having played 16 matches, playing predominantly in the backline and becoming a key kick-out taker for the side. At season's end he was upgraded to the Richmond's senior playing list and switched guernsey numbers from 45 to 15. 2017 season Short's first senior match in 2017 came in Richmond's round 2 victory against Collingwood. He recorded a game-high 634 metres gained in that match. He remained in the senior side through round 7, where he became the subject of media attention after he was ruled to have deliberately rushed the ball out of bounds late in the final minutes of Richmond's five-point loss to the . Short found himself in a similar situation in round 10 when he was ruled to have deliberately rushed a behind while being chased to the goal line by 's Josh Green. It was a decision that sparked media discussion over a possible future change to the rules. After all teams had completed their bye in round 13, Short ranked third in the AFL for metres gained per disposal (25.3). By round 15 he was averaging 276 metres gained per match. Over the next three weeks he became the club's prime rebounding defender as a result of a four week suspension being served by teammate Bachar Houli. Round 18 saw Short significantly underperform, recording no rebound 50s and less than 10 total disposals for the first time that year. He