Higgins’ stunning comeback from brain surgery

RICHMOND premiership coach Damien Hardwick has announced Jack Higgins will play against Collingwood tonight in his first game since having brain surgery last year.

It was feared last year the popular goalsneak might never play again after scans on the brain found a life-threatening bleed.

Hardwick praised Higgins’ work rate and his attitude towards the long rehabilitation.

“It is a testament to the lad, his professionalism and dedication to his craft is incredible,” he said yesterday.

“He’s gone back and improved some facets of his game we love as well. He’s going to run out for the first time since that injury last year and we look forward to see him play a pivotal part tomorrow night.”

Higgins played 13 games last season before having emergency surgery after the scary episode.

“Any brain injury is significant and quite scary in nature,” Hardwick said.

“There was a chance he mightn’t be able to play again but his doctors and surgeons have done a wonderful job ... and Jack himself has done a wonderful job in rehab.

“The smile on his face when he found out he was playing was a great highlight for our playing group.

“He’s a very popular member of our side ... to see the trials and tribulations he’s gone through over the last six months, it’s going to be significant for him to step over that white line.”

Hardwick allayed fears over Dion Prestia after the bestand-fairest winner skipped yesterday’s light training run, and he confirmed All-Australian Bachar Houli (calf) would play.