Shaun Higgins shuns Geelong to re-sign with North Melbourne

North Melbourne’s two-time best-and-fairest winner Shaun Higgins has re-signed, potentially turning his back on a longer, more-lucrative deal with Geelong.

Shaun Higgins is true Roo. Pic: Michael Klein

Shaun Higgins has shown the ultimate sign of loyalty to North Melbourne, passing up a longer and more lucrative contract with Geelong to stay at Arden Street.

Higgins today signed on at the Roos, signing a one-year extension that locks him in until the end of 2021.

But the Herald Sun understands the standing offer from Geelong not only had an extra year but was on more lucrative terms.

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Shaun Higgins is sticking with the Kangas. Picture: AAP

It underlines not only his potency but the Cats realisation that Tim Kelly will leave the club at the end of the season.

Higgins said his preference was to stay at North Melbourne.

“If they saw that it was best fit to re-build and move on senior players then I was open to helping them under those circumstances,” Higgins said.

“So that’s how the conversation started.

“If that wasn’t the case then I’m here to commit and I want to commit long term so all those boxes were ticked and we’re here today.

“Unfortunately there was a lot of misinformation being put out there and it’s good to be able to clear it all up and set the record straight by announcing this new deal.”

Earlier this week it appeared North’s off-field turbulence was complicating its chances of keeping Shaun Higgins.

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Higgins, 31, had been contracted with the Kangaroos until the end of 2020, but was seeking a longer deal in what has become a fascinating piece of the off-season puzzle.

North had offered a one-year extension, but the classy midfielder/forward wanted more.

The Kangaroos have lost general manager of football Cameron Joyce, chief executive Carl Dilena has resigned and list manager Michael McMahon has gone.

Incoming football GM Brady Rawlings isn’t scheduled to start until December having just finished up with West Coast.