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

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Riddell

Woodend-Hesket players after a pre-season practice match.

Why Woodend-Hesket is confident of finals return

Woodend-Hesket coach Alistair Rae believes his 2025 side is as talented as the 2023 team that reached the RDFNL grand final. Here’s why confidence levels are so high.

Northern

Bundoora leaders Jesse King, Peter McEvoy and Liam Mallia.

McEvoy to lead Bundoora’s new era

31 for 31: Bundoora’s reset will have a new leader with Peter McEvoy, former Coburg VFL skipper, named captain and two young guns will be under his wing.

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

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Eddie Betts of the Adelaide Crows celebrates a goal during the round seven AFL match between the Adelaide Crows and the Carlton Blues at Adelaide Oval on May 5, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Eddie Betts pulls the boots on for Anzac Day local footy comeback

AFL great Eddie Betts will make his much-anticipated local footy comeback in an Anzac Day blockbuster on Friday.

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?

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/ben-higgins/page/5