With North’s 2016 season complete, NMFC.com.au analyses the performance of each player by using statistics, a coach review, season highlights and much more.

Just as it appeared Shaun Higgins was set to put in another quality season at North, he fell victim to the injury curse in Round 7, ruling him out of action for three months.

The 28-year-old was able to return late in the season, playing in Round 23 and the Elimination Final.

View Shaun Higgins’ player profile

Statistics

AFL

Games: 9
Disposals: 150
Goals: 11
Tackles: 31

Season highlights

Round 4 v Fremantle: 22 disposals, 2 goals
Round 5 v Gold Coast: 18 disposals, 3 goals, 1 Brownlow vote

Quotes

“It was a good learning curve for me and hopefully I’ll get the opportunity in the next couple of weeks to continue to do that and learn a bit as well.” – Higgins on spending time in the coaches box during his recovery

“It’s been a long time coming, a lot of work has been ticked off and I’m looking forward to it.” – Higgins before his Round 23 comeback

“Early on I was blowing a little bit, but I settled in feeling ok. We did a lot of work with the conditioning team.” – Higgins after his Round 23 comeback

What the coach said – Leigh Tudor

“Higgo is just a real pro. When he wasn’t playing, he still came to all the line meetings and has a lot of input.

“He really cares for the team and the way we want to play. He’s a fantastic role model for the young forwards.

“Even now, a lot of people are on holidays and he’s downstairs in the gym, making sure he’ll be right for the first day of pre-season.

“I expect him to have a big year in 2017, and whether that’s forward or midfield – he’s got so many strings to his bow now, he can play in multiple positions.”