Despite being 30 years of age, 2018 has been a breakout season for Shaun Higgins, as he has truly established himself among the game’s elite.
On Saturday night, Higgins was once again best on ground in the two-point win over his old side, the Western Bulldogs, notching up his third 30+ touch game in a row, and fifth for the season.
His scintillating form has been a major factor in North Melbourne’s resurgence, and has him in line for not only All-Australian selection, but well and truly in the Brownlow Medal discussion, according to some experts.
North Media has broken down Higgins’ career so far, highlighting his amazing rise.
2006-2014
Higgins joined the Western Bulldogs with pick 11 in the 2005 National Draft, and excited fans from the outset of his career with his skill and X-factor.
His Bulldogs’ career was somewhat marred by injury, but when fit he was one was one of the Dogs’ most exciting players.
In 2009, Higgins showed us a glimpse into the future, and showcased just how good he could be, with the then 21-year old forward kicking 32 goals and polling 11 Brownlow votes.
His class and ability to find the ball saw him move into the midfield at times in his later years at the Bulldogs, which would hold him in good stead for later on in his career.
2006-2014 stats
Average disposals - 16.9 | Average goals - 0.9 | Average clearances - 0.9 | Average inside 50s - 2.9
2015
Higgins arrived at North Melbourne at the end of 2014 with a reputation as an exciting forward, and he carried this reputation into the 2015 season, kicking a career-high 39 goals, as he helped fire North into the Preliminary Final.
2015 stats
Average disposals - 19.5 | Average goals - 1.6 | Average clearances - 2.1 | Average inside 50s - 3.7
2016
Like the whole North Melbourne team, Higgins started the 2016 in electric form, helping the Roos to a 7-0 start, before unfortunately falling victim to injury, which ruled him out for three months.
He returned in the dying stages of the season, and was involved in Round 23 and the Elimination Final loss to the Crows.
2016 stats
Average disposals - 19.5 | Average goals - 1.2 | Average clearances - 1.1 | Average inside 50s - 2.7
2017
With the likes of Brent Harvey and Nick Dal Santo retiring, Higgins assumed more midfield minutes in 2017, and to great effect.
Despite North’s on-field struggles, Higgins shone throughout the year as he enjoyed a career best season, capped off with his first Syd Barker Medal.
2017 stats
Average disposals - 23.5 | Average goals - 0.9 | Average clearances - 4.3 | Average inside 50s - 5.7
2018 (up to Round 14)
After a career-best season in 2017, few outside of Arden Street would have expected Higgins to push on again.
But like the Roos, Higgins has exceeded all pre-season expectations in 2018, setting career-high numbers almost across the board. His stats are made even more remarkable when you account for the Round 5 clash in which he was concussed, and left the ground in the second quarter.
In Round 11, Higgins set a new career-high for disposals (38), and as of Round 14 he leads the league for inside 50s.
Higgins’ brilliance has him in line for All-Australian honors, and if he can maintain his current level of form, there is no reason he can’t be among the top vote-getters on Brownlow Medal night.
2018 stats (up to Round 14)
Average disposals - 26.8 | Average goals - 0.8 | Average clearances - 5.2 | Average inside 50s - 6
