Higgins set to soar

[Saintmike65]

This time last year it was Jack Sinclair that literally tore up the training track.
He got himself stronger and with a clear direction of a new role down back, he was superb.
Importantly, he took that form into the season proper, finishing very high in the best and fairest.
Fast forward 12 months, it’s another Jack, Higgins, that is doing special things.
In his draft year, Higgins was the most accomplished player, yet because of his small stature, drifted to pick 17…this despite averaging 137 champion data points a game, likely still a record high result.
Despite his very serious brain issue a couple of years ago, Jack has been the standout this pre season and will be a difficult match up for opposing teams.
His power off the mark, footy smarts and ability overhead makes me think he will be a force this season.
He has also trimmed down, which hopefully will allow him midfield minutes…something that would benefit the team even more.

[Sanctorum]

I think you're right about Jack Higgins Saintmike65, he is precisely the type of player who can spark his team mates to lift and go to the level required to win games. Who can forget the way he used to crack a joke in the Richmond pre-game/quarter huddles when he was just a kid which contributed to their team spirit that led to several premierships.

It is my firm conviction that it is 99% up to the players to commit to developing a winning culture and unless and until they do our team will continue to languish in the middle of the pack....they have the talent so it's now a question of mindset which I like to think Brett Ratten and Co will be focusing all their attention on in the month before the start of the season!

[Impatient Sainter]

I hope you are right Mike we really need some of these younger players to really take the next step. Unfortunately Coffield was another you reported was having a stand out preseason and looked likely to have a breakout year. But perhaps losing him opens a door for another player that mighten have got the same opportunities?

Then we have Bytel & Byrnes there abouts, hopefully they can really pressure our midfielders for positions?

On the contrary Hunter Clark worries me, he wants to play midfield but his body shape hasnt changed in 5 years. He just seems to coast in everything he does. The kid must be allergic to weights, you wonder how that can occur when they have so many fitness & development coaches? Body wise Windhager & Owens are already better prepared than Clark is.

He is a much older player but I believe IF Mason Woods can have an injury free year he will surprise a lot with his impact on games. I have a suspicion Woods might become to taller wingmen Ratts has been craving for.

[Saintmike65]

I hope you are right Mike we really need some of these younger players to really take the next step. Unfortunately Coffield was another you reported was having a stand out preseason and looked likely to have a breakout year. But perhaps losing him opens a door for another player that mighten have got the same opportunities?

Then we have Bytel & Byrnes there abouts, hopefully they can really pressure our midfielders for positions?

On the contrary Hunter Clark worries me, he wants to play midfield but his body shape hasnt changed in 5 years. He just seems to coast in everything he does. The kid must be allergic to weights, you wonder how that can occur when they have so many fitness & development coaches? Body wise Windhager & Owens are already better prepared than Clark is.

He is a much older player but I believe IF Mason Woods can have an injury free year he will surprise a lot with his impact on games. I have a suspicion Woods might become to taller wingmen Ratts has been craving for.

You are not alone with your concerns about Hunter Clark.
Regarding body shape, don’t read too much into that..just look at Michael Tuck, some players just don’t bulk up.
It’s more his tank and lack of 2 way run that’s an issue.
I have cautious optimism about Mason Wood, as he teased North supporters for a long time.
Unfortunately his body constantly lets him down but having said that, he’s likely to start the season in the seniors.

[Gershwin]

Yes, I’m feeling pretty bullish about Higgins. He seems to have an obsession with being the best player he can be which will hold him in good stead.
I think Wood will always tease but not produce. A fine athlete with good skills - we can only hope.
Clark gets into my 22 but maybe he will never be the player we hope for. Bit like Billings.

[Impatient Sainter]

Yes, I’m feeling pretty bullish about Higgins. He seems to have an obsession with being the best player he can be which will hold him in good stead.
I think Wood will always tease but not produce. A fine athlete with good skills - we can only hope.
Clark gets into my 22 but maybe he will never be the player we hope for. Bit like Billings.

Its players like Hunter that have motivated the club to improve their development, adding Carroll etc over the off season. Our development, following recruiting, has held the club back for years. We would turn average kids into GOP's and the more sucessful clubs would develop similiarly talented kids into stars. With lists as small as they are now every player must be pushed to get the absolute maximum out of their ability.

[Banger9798]

While Hunter isn't buff, he is still strong.
You can see that when he competes for the ball or tackles.
Agreed he needs his tank to go up a level

[Impatient Sainter]

I wonder why Ratts and Co arent giving Higgins short bursts in the midfield eg Gresham? He said he desperately wants to get that opportunity, so I would like to see him get a run in there in the practice match against Carlton. He couldn’t get near it in the scratch match playing solely as a FP, so just a quick burst in there to mix things up and see how he goes.

[SaintPav]

Having to eat through a straw for a period last season wouldn’t have helped Hunter’s body mass.

[shanegrambeau]

Nice thread.
Seeing Higgins show up, and successfully slot those goals a week or two after his dreadful (great to have the opp, but dreadful to miss) 1.6 showing, was one of the positive highlights of 2021.

That earns love and respect!!

Well done Mr Jack Huggins.

For Hunter Clark
I do t care about his body shape either, unless it means his tank is compromised, which I doubt it is.

More worries about the effects of the crunch and will he be able to relaunch.

Know it’s conventional wisdom to think that brilliant flankers should be promoted to miss, but not so sure.

Our midfield is not stellar, but is Hunter a mid?

I think he is a class above he others, surely in our top ten players before the crunch, even though my impression was that his mid experiment wasn’t great. Mind you, the entire team seemed to run out puff at 60 minutes then.

[Yorkeys]

We need sharp shooters and Higgins is one, despite the ironic nic.

Clark may be perfect for restarts/stoppages with his skills if he can't do endurance but some players can be surprisingly quick and cover ground without looking like cheetas. Hope my hope doesn't come across as a bit desperate.