Jack Higgins shines for Vic Metro at AFL Under-18 National Championships

JACK Higgins was one of Vic Metro’s best performers throughout the AFL Under-18 National Championships, but his performances should not come as a surprise.

Jack Higgins takes a mark for Vic Metro against the Allies. Picture: Getty Images

JACK Higgins’ performances throughout the AFL Under-18 National Championships should come as no surprise.

The Oakleigh Chargers small forward/midfielder was among Vic Metro’s best players in each of its games throughout the carnival, furthering his case as a potential early round selection in this year’s AFL National Draft.

Higgins, 18, has built a reputation as one of the most dedicated underage footballers in the country, with his football speaking volumes for his preparation.

The East Malvern product averaged 30 disposals across his four games and finished with five goals to earn selection in the All Australian team.

Jack Higgins has starred for Oakleigh Chargers this TAC Cup season. Picture: Getty Images

While his numbers are elite among his midfield peers, Higgins sees himself primarily as a small forward that can push further up the ground at this stage of his ­career.

“Although he is quite little, his skills under pressure and his decision-making under pressure, and the execution of those skills, is very good,” Vic Metro coach Martin Allison said.

“Although he is small in stature he actually plays a bit taller and takes a mark.”

From his eight TAC Cup outings this year, Higgins has booted 14 goals and averaged 29 touches, while he has also worked on the defensive side of his game — against Bendigo Pioneers he laid 15 tackles.

Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman said Higgins had an ability to raise his game for the big ­occasions.

Jack Higgins finds himself in the middle of a pack for Vic Metro. Picture: Getty Images

“He is a player that rises to the level of the footy,” Notman said.

“He sees guys in the opposition side that are highly touted as draft picks, he loves a challenge of taking them on and he has a will to compete and to get the best out of himself.

“It is no coincidence he is able to get the best out of himself because he works his backside off.”

Notman said Higgins was among the most dedicated footballers he had seen come through at the Oakleigh Chargers.

“He has a willingness to work on the things he needs to work on and from an AFL coaching capacity, that’s what you want to see out of your players,” he said.

“Everything is done at 100 per cent and everything is done with the intent to improve himself.

“We couldn’t be more impressed with the way he goes about it and everything that fits in around his footy — it is first-class.”