Jack Higgins

[shanegrambeau]

There's no doubt a healthy Higgins would develop into a tidy Milne type. If we get him Ill be praying he stays healthy.

I am not so sure.

I don't wanna be negative, but remember the hype we praised on Kent and Parker?

Higgins looks like a step up for sure. His stats, even this year, are significantly better than Hind's and Kent's, and marginally better than Lonie's. He kicked 5 goals and missed a few but he can play in the midfield too.
However, he wasn't good enough at Richmond and his output has fallen away after a good start in each successive year.

He gets a lot of free kicks, which, as a forward, is a blessing.

However, I don't think we should expect too much, or be clapping too much...we have bigger fish to fry.

[Ghost Like]

There's no doubt a healthy Higgins would develop into a tidy Milne type. If we get him Ill be praying he stays healthy.

I am not so sure.

I don't wanna be negative, but remember the hype we praised on Kent and Parker?

Higgins looks like a step up for sure. His stats, even this year, are significantly better than Hind's and Kent's, and marginally better than Lonie's. He kicked 5 goals and missed a few but he can play in the midfield too.
However, he wasn't good enough at Richmond and his output has fallen away after a good start in each successive year.

He gets a lot of free kicks, which, as a forward, is a blessing.

However, I don't think we should expect too much, or be clapping too much...we have bigger fish to fry.

Personally I sense a symmetry / destiny with having Butler & Higgins assist St Kilda to overtake Richmond as the team to beat.

[Impatient Sainter]

Lets get the deal done before we start boasting about jumping ahead of Richmond. We have a long way to go to reach that level.

[st.byron]

Mitch Cleary on Trade Wrap saying that a second rounder or pick in the 20s is in the ballpark for Higgins.

[SaintPelican66]

Mitch Cleary on Trade Wrap saying that a second rounder or pick in the 20s is in the ballpark for Higgins.

Mitch can say what he likes. The fact is we don't have such a pick. Future second round pick plus a swap of this years firsts. And then ideally we swoop on Caldwell and give GWS Richmond's first. Nice.

Then if Treloar falls into our lap give Collingfilth our future first for their first this year. Beautiful.

[Toy Saint]

I'd definitely prefer Caldwell rather than Higgins.

We need midfielders in the right age bracket with the potential to finish top 5 in our B&F

[Kilda]

The longer the Higgins deal takes, the less likely we can swoop on anyone else like Caldwell.

[jaxons]

Deal is done he is a Saint.

[Waltzing St Kilda]

Thanks Jaxons.

[fugazi]

Deal is done he is a Saint.

What did it cost?

[minneapolis]

Deal is done he is a Saint.

What did it cost?

Future 2nd?

[Ghost Like]

Lets get the deal done before we start boasting about jumping ahead of Richmond. We have a long way to go to reach that level.

Interesting, I never boast and if I was to it would be about something I have control over. My optimism is high and I believe we are closer to that level than many other clubs.

Richmond I believe would be aware of that. 2021 will be their last chance to belt us in a final. What do they say in the classics?

"Bookmark it!" or is it "Take it to the bank."

[Mr Magic]

Deal is done he is a Saint.

Seems your info was on the money!

[asiu]

the future classic might be

“Only Josh the Baroose and little Lonie were left standing in the way of the Saints 2nd Flag “

copyright that

[samoht]

I found this pre-draft assessment re: Jack Higgins.

"STRENGTHS

Goal sense
Footy IQ
Quick hands
Contested marking
Inside 50, Jack Higgins is one of the craftiest players and if you only give him a inch – he will make the most of the opportunity. He can convert set shots for goal and has worked hard on perfecting a “Stevie J” style ’round the corner kick on his right foot. Higgins booted 31 goals in the TAC Cup and six in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, showing at the next level – he can play the role of a small forward.

Not only is Higgins smart around goal, but through traffic and in the midfield, his footy IQ is through the roof. Higgins is a smart footballer and gets to the right spots to win the ball and is able to flick the ball out to a teammate from even the tightest of situations by hand and foot. He is able to find teammates using his good vision and in the contested situations – he uses his quick hands to effectiveness and there aren’t too many other players in a similar vein that can hit the target by hand like him. His quick and clean hands make him a valuable player in the midfield and up forward, helping get the ball moving forward and to a teammate.

Higgins is the best contested marking small forward in the 2017 draft pool and he is able to clunk the contested grabs when isolated inside 50. Higgins averaged just over five marks per game throughout the TAC Cup and showed he was able to be a target up forward, despite his size.

IMPROVEMENTS

Speed
Hurt factor with disposal
Unlike some of the other small forwards on offer in the AFL, Higgins doesn’t possesses elite speed. With the Richmond’s forward structure in the 2017 Grand Final including Jason Castagna, Daniel Butler & Daniel Rioli – all players who possess elite speed, it could count against Higgins. At the 2017 National AFL Draft Combine, Higgins’ time in the 20 metre sprint was 3.10s – right on the average speed for the entire group of testers. It might be an area that clubs look to improve for the small forward at the next level.

Another potential improvement for Higgins is his hurt factor with ball in hand when playing in the midfield. Whilst he possesses some of the quickest and clean hands in the 2017 draft crop, Higgins’ kicks can often lack hurt factor – going sideways or being short passes to his teammates. In the TAC Cup this year, Higgins opted to pass it short effectively on average three more times per game than kicking it long to a teammate. Higgins’ kicking efficiency of 60 per cent in the TAC Cup and 69 per cent in the National Under 18 Championships was helped at times, by Higgins picking an easy option short or sideways rather than kicking long to a teammate or a contest.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 10-20

SUMMARY

Jack Higgins is a strong prospect who knows where the goals are and has the capabilities to move into the midfield. His marking up forward makes him a tough match up, where he possesses a very high ‘Footy IQ’ to win the ball and get to the right positions. He is a player who could easily slot into an AFL team in the early part of 2018."

[kosifantutti]

Unlike Dan Butler he won’t have to go out and buy a knock off Saints jumper. It might still fit.

[silverhalo]

I found this pre-draft assessment re: Jack Higgins.

"STRENGTHS

Goal sense
Footy IQ
Quick hands
Contested marking
Inside 50, Jack Higgins is one of the craftiest players and if you only give him a inch – he will make the most of the opportunity. He can convert set shots for goal and has worked hard on perfecting a “Stevie J” style ’round the corner kick on his right foot. Higgins booted 31 goals in the TAC Cup and six in the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships, showing at the next level – he can play the role of a small forward.

Not only is Higgins smart around goal, but through traffic and in the midfield, his footy IQ is through the roof. Higgins is a smart footballer and gets to the right spots to win the ball and is able to flick the ball out to a teammate from even the tightest of situations by hand and foot. He is able to find teammates using his good vision and in the contested situations – he uses his quick hands to effectiveness and there aren’t too many other players in a similar vein that can hit the target by hand like him. His quick and clean hands make him a valuable player in the midfield and up forward, helping get the ball moving forward and to a teammate.

Higgins is the best contested marking small forward in the 2017 draft pool and he is able to clunk the contested grabs when isolated inside 50. Higgins averaged just over five marks per game throughout the TAC Cup and showed he was able to be a target up forward, despite his size.

IMPROVEMENTS

Speed
Hurt factor with disposal
Unlike some of the other small forwards on offer in the AFL, Higgins doesn’t possesses elite speed. With the Richmond’s forward structure in the 2017 Grand Final including Jason Castagna, Daniel Butler & Daniel Rioli – all players who possess elite speed, it could count against Higgins. At the 2017 National AFL Draft Combine, Higgins’ time in the 20 metre sprint was 3.10s – right on the average speed for the entire group of testers. It might be an area that clubs look to improve for the small forward at the next level.

Another potential improvement for Higgins is his hurt factor with ball in hand when playing in the midfield. Whilst he possesses some of the quickest and clean hands in the 2017 draft crop, Higgins’ kicks can often lack hurt factor – going sideways or being short passes to his teammates. In the TAC Cup this year, Higgins opted to pass it short effectively on average three more times per game than kicking it long to a teammate. Higgins’ kicking efficiency of 60 per cent in the TAC Cup and 69 per cent in the National Under 18 Championships was helped at times, by Higgins picking an easy option short or sideways rather than kicking long to a teammate or a contest.

DRAFT PROJECTION: 10-20

SUMMARY

Jack Higgins is a strong prospect who knows where the goals are and has the capabilities to move into the midfield. His marking up forward makes him a tough match up, where he possesses a very high ‘Footy IQ’ to win the ball and get to the right positions. He is a player who could easily slot into an AFL team in the early part of 2018."

I've mentioned it before on the forum that Jack played junior footy at Ormond with my son for 5 years - he is a VERY clever player, often makes something out of nothing, and is highly disciplined - if we got him for a second rounder, it would be a steal! Would love to get SNAGS to the SAINTS - let's do it Gags!

[st.byron]

Deal is done he is a Saint.

Any updates for us Jax? What’s holding it up? Any other snippets you care to share?

[Myron Gaines]

Many of the done deals are being held over until tomorrow afternoon/evening to create ‘drama’ for the end of the trade period. I suspect Higgins trade fits into this category.

[Joffa Burns]

Deal is done he is a Saint.

Any updates for us Jax? What’s holding it up? Any other snippets you care to share?

I am in no way doubting the validity of the post, but am curious as to why this is yet to be announced.
Is there some minor haggling around a swap of later picks?

[fugazi]

Many of the done deals are being held over until tomorrow afternoon/evening to create ‘drama’ for the end of the trade period. I suspect Higgins trade fits into this category.

Probably true, and tedious if so.

[jaxons]

Deal is done he is a Saint.

This was all agreed to in principle on Tuesday night.
Very good get by us, all be a fan favourite for many years to come.

[saintsRrising]

Unlike Dan Butler he won’t have to go out and buy a knock off Saints jumper. It might still fit.

Geeze pinching my jokes from page 1 of this thread

[fugazi]

This from Big footy Tigers supporter :

Not gonna lie, it was bad enough with Butts kicking goals against us this year, but to have Higglet kicking snags. Ugh. Too much. He's just 21 - won't hit peak fitness til 23 where he could be a inside mid with tricks, already has a good tank. You got yourselves a good player and club citizen.

[saintsRrising]

Fair price paid.


After our form of this season and with landing Crouch and now Higgins our membership sales should go well.