Tigers rookie makes impact

RICHMOND draftee Jack Higgins believes he is ready to make an impact at AFL level this year but says his focus for now is learning as much from the club’s senior players as possible.

The Tigers’ first selection in last year’s national draft at pick 17, Higgins ( right) said it had been “unreal” to join the reigning premiers and live out a boyhood dream.

“I’ve always thought there’s no other way. It was AFL footy y or bust,” Higgins said.

“Just getting to know all the players, you see them on TV and stuff and now you’re teammates with them so I’m over the moon.

“I’ll probably just learn off all the great players at the club – Cotch ( captain Trent Cotchin), Dusty ( Dustin Martin) – just watch them train and learn off them over pre- season.”

Recruited from TAC Cup club Oakleigh Chargers, Higgins had primarily been a small forward during his junior playing days but pushed into the midfield this year with great effect.

The 18- year- old finished the TAC Cup season having averaged 23 disposals and 2.3 goals to win the competition’s Morrish Medal, following in the footsteps of Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver and Brisbane’s Hugh McCluggage, who were the previous two winners of the award.

The 178cm Higgins, who idolised Hawthorn champion Sam Mitchell growing up, said he saw himself playing a combination of midfield and forward at AFL level and was determined to push his case for an early debut in 2018.

“Definitely, I feel my body’s ready. But then again it’s a bit of a different story playing against men to 18- year- olds,” Higgins said.

“I’ve always been pretty fit but I’m working on my agility and speed and all that for stoppages.

“It’s a long way to Round 1. Hopefully if I play some games in the pre- season I can get in good form, but you never know.”

Higgins will wear No. 28 on his back this year, the number left vacant after Taylor Hunt’s delisting in October.