JAYDEN Short's premiership redemption story isn't a solo one.

The long-kicking Richmond defender spent 2017 Grand Final day heartbreakingly watching on as one of the emergencies, after playing 16 of the club's first 17 games that season.

What was a triumphant day for the Tigers was a bittersweet one for Short, who was thrilled for his teammates but dealing with his own disappointment.

Jayden Short dances on stage as the Tigers celebrate a second flag in three years. 

However, another person felt the hurt every bit as much, according to the 23-year-old.

"Dad's been there since day dot playing footy, and he coached me throughout my juniors (at Mill Park), so to see him here today, on the big stage, and obviously to get the win, it's just amazing," Short told AFL.com.au.

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"He's been through thick and thin with me. He felt 2017 pretty hard on himself as well, so it's just incredible I can repay him for that.

"He's given me a lot growing up – so has Mum – but footy-wise, Dad's been huge for me and just to be able to show him this (premiership medallion) is amazing. I love him."

Short's true arrival as an AFL footballer was last year, when he averaged 20 disposals and led the AFL in metres gained, but Richmond suffered a shock preliminary final defeat to Collingwood.

Then, he spent three months on the sidelines because of a gruesome right elbow dislocation.

"I had some doubts about getting back or what kind of footy I could get back to playing but we've got the best physios and doctors in the League," Short said.

"That gave me great confidence that I could get back and have an impact, and here we are today. I'm so grateful to be back and playing with these boys."

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Short's round 15 return against St Kilda coincided with six other teammates coming into the senior side and the start of the Tigers' unbroken 12-match winning run to flag glory.

It's his first premiership, as well as housemate Liam Baker's, but Richmond's second in three seasons, entrenching the club as a modern football powerhouse.

"If you think about it like that, it's pretty cool," Short said.

Short is the centre of attention.

"Us boys just love being together and at the end of the day these are what you play for and I'm grateful to be here and all the other boys are as well.

"It's just an awesome place to be.

"There's a great vibe every day and you get to come to work and be with 44 of your best mates every day, so it's pretty awesome and I'm really appreciative of that."

*Voted best and fairest before the Norm Smith Medal was presented from 1979