Richmond forward Jack Higgins has made a positive start to his recovery from brain surgery

Jack Higgins will watch Friday’s preliminary final from the comfort of his own home after a positive start to his recovery from brain surgery last week.

Jack Higgins is in the thoughts of his teammates as he recovers from brain surgery.

Jack Higgins is out of sight but not out of mind at Richmond with Tiger teammates sending their love to the popular youngster who underwent a second bout of brain surgery last week.

Early medical feedback relayed to the Tigers points to a positive start to the goalkicker’s recovery from the serious operation.

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Superstar Shane Edwards said that while teammates had been unable to see or speak to Higgins recently, the 20-year-old was in their thoughts as the Tigers chased their second premiership in three seasons.

“It’s crazy … he’s had a real tough time,” Edwards told the Herald Sun.

“It’s hard to get in contact with him, because obviously he’s been in hospital and he hasn’t been able to use his phone.

“It’s made us feel kind of disconnected from it. But he’s got all the support from everyone at Richmond.”

Higgins has just been discharged from hospital and will watch Friday night’s preliminary final blockbuster against Geelong from the comfort of his home.

Higgins booted two goals in last year’s preliminary final loss to Collingwood.

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The bubbly youngster suffered a brain bleed earlier this year and underwent a procedure to fix it in July.

Higgins was able to make a couple of trips to Punt Rd after that.

But when the treatment did not stop Higgins’ brain from bleeding he returned to hospital and was booked for more intrusive surgery.

Jack Higgins is in the thoughts of his teammates as he recovers from brain surgery.

Jack Higgins recovering at The Epworth after his initial brain bleed scare.

“It’s sort of a bit unbelievable how serious the things he’s going through are,” Edwards said.

“Seeing some of the scars that he’s got, it’s just terrifying. We really miss him around the club and we’re just hoping he gets better for his personal life and footy comes later.”

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Higgins last played at AFL level in Round 13 and is expected to miss the start of next season.

While the little goalkicker only joined the Tigers after the 2017 premiership, he quickly became an adored figure as well as swiftly securing a place in the best 22.

Higgins won the AFL’s goal of the year in 2018 and placed fourth in the Rising Star in a brilliant debut season.