Joining North Melbourne as a restricted free agent on Friday, the former Bulldog is hungry for success.
"I still feel reasonably young and really excited about this opportunity. I think it does spark you into life a little bit as well," he said of the move.
"It's a good feeling [to be here]. It's an exciting time for the footy club and now also for me to get the change I was looking for."
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Higgins played 20 games this season, the equal-highest tally of his career.
"The body is feeling as good as it ever has and I'm still only in my mid-20s so I feel like there's some good years of footy ahead.”
The utility admits the Kangaroos’ impressive 2014 was a factor in his move, but he didn't choose them believing he would simply walk into a premiership team in the next few years.
"We all know the industry well enough that there's no guarantees that premierships are just around the corner and I've experienced that first hand," he said.
"So to come here thinking that I'll play in a premiership would be false hope but I'm looking forward to contributing and playing my part for the team and if that means more finals ahead, I'll be rapt with that.
"There's always pressure to perform and I wouldn't imagine any player would think they could walk in and cement a spot in a side that played deep into September.
"It's a good challenge for me."
Higgins says there are no hard feelings between he and his former club.
"I leave with no bad blood and great memories and friendships, which I know will last beyond this.
"It was just a personal decision … and it sits really comfortably with me.
"I was confident I did everything I could while I was there (at the Bulldogs); whether that be right or wrong, I'll move on now and be excited for the next few years."
