Talented young Richmond midfielder/small forward Jack Higgins surely now must be in contention for the AFL’s Rising Star award.

Consider these facts about Higgins’ 2018 debut season of AFL football with the Tigers.

• He’s played 15 games for the reigning premiers, who are on top of the ladder.
• He’s averaging 16.1 disposals per game.
• He’s kicked a total of 12 goals, including the outstanding, red-hot favourite for Goal of the Year against Collingwood in Round 19.
• He’s ranked second among Rising Star contenders for score involvements per game.
• He’s ranked third among Rising Star contenders for contested possessions per game.
• He’s ranked third among Rising Star contenders for tackles inside 50.
• He’s ranked fourth among Rising Star contenders for goal assists.
• He’s ranked fourth among Rising Star contenders for stoppage clearances.

Higgins again was among Richmond’s best, in last Friday night’s victory over Geelong. He finished the match with 18 disposals, including 13 contested possessions, four clearances, three inside-50s, one goal and five score involvements.

The 19-year-old started his senior league career at Tigerland as a small forward, but has spent significant time in the midfield throughout the past few games.

“I expected to play more forward time, but I love playing midfield. It’s where I played as a junior,” Higgins said in a post-match, on-field interview with Richmond great and Channel Seven commentator Matthew Richardson last Friday night.