In recent weeks, the sensational form of Shaun Higgins has been highlighted.

Since crossing over from the Bulldogs, Higgins has been one of North’s best players, raising the question: has he been the recruit of the year so far?

Higgins has played largely as a half-forward in his time at Arden Street, and is on track to post career numbers across the board.

His 27 goals for the year is already the second most, with every chance the former Bulldog will sail past the current high of 32 well before the season is out.

Not only has Higgins been hitting the scoreboard himself, leading North Melbourne’s goal kicking tally, he also leads the club in goal assists.

Add his 13 goal assists to the 27 he’s kicked, and Higgins has had more scoreboard impact than any other Roo this season.

The two main competitors for his crown were involved in the same trade between Collingwood and Brisbane.

When Dayne Beams declared he wanted to move to Brisbane to be closer to his family, the Lions sent back picks 5, 25 and Jack Crisp.

Beams has excelled at his new club, leading the Lions in disposals, contested disposals, clearances and inside 50’s while also rating highly in uncontested disposals, marks and tackles.

Crisp has arguably been the surprise packet of the deal. After only playing 18 games in three seasons at Brisbane, the left footer is on track to eclipse the mark in his first year at Collingwood.

The 21-year-old may not have been a first choice midfielder, but injuries to the Pies’ midfield early in the season opened up an opportunity which he ran with. Crisp ranks in the top five at his club in disposals, contested disposals and clearances while leading in tackles.

Elsewhere Jeff Garlett has been a value pickup for Melbourne. The Demons only surrendered picks 61 and 79 to pick up the small forward from Carlton. He currently leads the club with 27 goals, one of two players in double figures for the year.

Up in New South Wales, Joel Patfull has been his typically undervalued self in the Giants’ defensive unit. Until his injury in Round 11, the former Lion had played a large part in his new side’s dramatic improvement.

The Giants have only won one of the three games he’s missed.