Richmond has used its first selection, No. 17 overall, in the 2017 National Draft to recruit Oakleigh small forward/midfielder Jack Higgins.
Here is a summary of what Richmond fans can expect to see from Higgins, in future seasons . . .
Jack Higgins profile
Date of birth: 19/3/1999
Height: 178cm
Weight: 77kg
Position: Small forward/midfielder
From: Oakleigh Chargers
Jack is a natural footballer with an impressive football IQ.
In a recent Champion Data statistical analysis, Jack was ranked the draft’s No. 1 player after averaging 145 Super Coach points in 33 rated games.
He averaged 24 disposals per match in his 14 TAC Cup games for the Oakleigh Chargers and an impressive 27 disposals in four appearances with Vic Metro at the under-18 national championships, subsequently being named in the All Australian team.
Jack’s TAC Cup season was very consistent, with the ability to kick goals and create opportunities for teammates a real feature of his game.
He scored 31 goals and 21 behinds in his 14 games for Oakleigh, at a conversion rate of 60 percent, with his best performance a seven-goal haul against the Bendigo Pioneers in Round 17. But he also registered 27 score assists for the season, which underlined his team values.
Jack realises the importance of defensive pressure in the modern game and averaged five tackles per match throughout the TAC Cup season.
He can win the football in uncontested situations, where he utilises his strong running capacity.
And, he relishes winning contested ball, too, as shown by the 18 contested possessions he gathered in a match against South Australia at Etihad Stadium during this year’s under-18 carnival.
