Shaun Higgins says it’s an unspoken understanding that’s made him and Ben Cunnington such a reliable pairing in the North midfield.

The Roos’ vice-captain took on a more prominent role on-the-ball in 2017, and ever since, has taken his game to another level.

Likewise Cunnington, with the duo combining for the last three Syd Barker Medals (Higgins two, Cunnington one).

“To spend the best part of three or four years in the midfield and play alongside ‘Cunners’ …  we’ve got a really unique relationship that we are so different, but similar at the same time,” Higgins explained in a new video series, Reminiscing.

“I think he (Cunnington) complements everything about my game, and hopefully I can complement some things in his game.

“I think it’s just a great relationship that brings out the best in both of us.

“You take for granted instinctively where I would run, because I just know that he would give me the ball there. He would pick up the ball and turn, just expecting to know where I am.

“We’ve never really spoken too much about that sort of stuff, but over the years of playing together you just get to know what he’s going to do, and I think he knows where I’m going to be as well.”

Both players had career-best disposal averages in 2019, with Higgins full of praise for his younger teammate.  

“He kicks it really well, his hands are so clean and he’s a good mark,” he added.

“He’s a skilful player, just as much as he’s a contested bull.”

Watch the full video below, thanks to Remedy Kombucha.