In any new job the first day is arguably the most daunting of all.
While Shaun Higgins has been at his new club for the best part of four months, it’s game day where his real job lies. The former Bulldog admits he’ll be nervous running out for the first time on Sunday.
“I probably will because it’s the first hit-out and you want to go well, especially for your first time in new colours,” Higgins told SEN’s Morning Glory.
“I was talking to a couple of boys yesterday who have come from different clubs and they said it’s strange that first game, because you almost go into the feeling of the old club you are at. You’re in a game and you go back to the way they play. So we’ll see Sunday how I cope with that.”
PRESS PLAY above to listen to the Higgins interview
Higgins said any thoughts of easing into the NAB Challenge are quickly erased when the teams run out
“Once the ball’s bounced I think the teams have a crack.
“You probably saw some senior players last night (Hawthorn vs Collingwood) thinking ‘let’s just get through and get some run’, but the younger guys want to go well.
“Whenever you pull on the jumper you want to go well, so it’s hard to go through at 70 or 80 per cent.”
Higgins has been earmarked for a role through the midfield during the pre-season campaign, and said he can’t wait to line up alongside a new teammate.
“The first part of pre-season he wasn’t really out there to experience it, but the way Daniel Wells moves now through the middle I thought he was a very good player, but he’s definitely better than that.”
Vice-captain Drew Petrie another player who has caught Higgins' eye.
“I think the way Drew goes about his defensive pressure for a big forward is really impressive,” he said.
“Because he’s probably off the camera most of the time you don’t see it, but his work-rate to help out the whole team is impressive.”
Higgins is among six potential debutants for North on Sunday, with the Crows set to field as many as seven new faces.
Sunday's match against Adelaide will now be streamed live on NMFC.com.au and the NMFC app. Tune in from 4.40pm for live coverage, as well as a live chat for discussion with like-minded NMFC fans.
Following the game, NMFC.com.au will provide highlights and media conferences.
