Our Journalists

Ben HigginsSports Journalist

Leader Sport, Herald Sun and CODE Sports reporter covering community sport in the northern and north-west suburbs of Melbourne.

@ben_higgins84

Ben Higgins

Latest

Riddell

Injection of talent has Centrals eyeing finals

Melton Centrals has had an injection of talent over the summer and combined with its existing squad is confident of making a run at the RDFNL top-six.

Northern

Scott Conte of Panton Hill celebrates kicking a goal during the round four NFNL Division 2 MC Labour Seniors match between Watsonia and Panton Hill at Binnak Park, on April 27, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

What Panton Hill needs to challenge for finals

31 for 31: With a stable playing group and a consistent style, Panton Hill believes now is the time for the club to challenge for NFNL Division 2 finals.

Northern

Eddie Betts of the Blues celebrates the win on the final siren during the Round 4 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Carlton Blues at the MCG in Melbourne, Saturday, June 27, 2020. (AAP Image/Michael Dodge) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

Eddie Betts set for local footy comeback

AFL great Eddie Betts will pull on the boots at local footy level this season but this isn’t just a one-off guest appearance. See where he’ll be playing.

Coates League

Calder Cannons leaders (from left) Chloe Baker-West, Jade McLay and Taylah Gilchrist.

Every Calder Cannons Girls player analysed

With two players in the AFLW National Academy and several draft prospects, Calder Cannons is looking at a strong season. Coach Nic Tenabel takes us through every player.

Local Sport

Footscray celebrate taking the wicket of Sam Harbinson of Northcote during the Victorian Premier Cricket Kookaburra Men's Premier Firsts Round 5 match between Northcote and Footscray at Bill Lawry Oval, on November 23, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Injury-hit Footscray eyeing quick bounce back

A series of injuries and down years for a couple of stars saw Footscray slide down the ladder in 2024-25 but the Bulldogs are optimistic of a quick bounce back.

Riddell

RDFNL: Lancefield v Woodend-Hesket: Benjamin Sankey of Lancefield (top) contests with Tim Martin of Woodend-Hesket at Lancefield Park on Saturday July 8, 2023 in Lancefield, Australia.Photo: Hamish Blair

New faces, new start for Lancefield

After a winless season, Lancefield got busy over the off-season, bringing in as many as 15 new faces to help the club make a fresh start.

Local Sport

Preston Baseballers celebrate their Jika Shield triumph.

Castrucci masterclass puts Baseballers back on top

A Daniel Castrucci masterclass delivered Preston Baseballers its third NMCA Jika Shield premiership in five seasons. Plus, we name our Jika, Quick and Kelly Shield Teams of the Year.

Northern

Mark Ferraro of Reservoir is congratulated by team mates after kicking a goal during the round thirteen NFNL Division 3 Heidelberg Golf Club Seniors match between Reservoir and Lalor at Crispe Park, on July 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Reservoir expectations for big-name recruits

31 for 31: Reservoir made a recruiting splash as it looks to end its easybeat status in NFNL Division 3, brining in several high-profile names. So what do the Mustangs expect of themselves?

Essendon

Gisborne-Kyneton players in a recent practice match.

Breakaway women’s club finds new home

After months of stress, breakaway women’s club Kyneton Women’s has found a new partner and a new league for 2025.

Riddell

Sick of it: what has Romsey aiming high in 2025

An imposing key forward combination and the continued growth of young talent has Romsey coach Nathan Blair aiming high in 2025 after a series of early finals exits.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/ben-higgins/page/3