THE ultimate team success may have eluded Shaun Higgins, but the retiring Geelong midfielder won’t leave the AFL regretting the lack of a premiership on his list of accolades.
The 34-year-old midfielder told teammates yesterday (Tuesday) that he would be hanging up the boots after 260 games across three clubs – the Cats, where he managed 23 games, Western Bulldogs (129) and North Melbourne (108).
Higgins made two preliminary final appearances with Bulldogs, one at the Roos and last year’s loss to Melbourne in his first season at Geelong.
“I’m proud that I can retire without the regret,” Higgins said.
“I had some challenges, particularly early (in my career), with my body and injury, and (I) told myself then, ‘I’ll just prepare as good anyone in the competition; give myself the opportunity to play well’.
“And sometimes it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t, and I was able to do that right through this year.”
Higgins, who last played at AFL level in the Round 16 win over North Melbourne, underwent surgery following that match in an attempt to get his body right.
He managed three games to round out the VFL home-and-away season, averaging 21 disposals.
However, an AFL return never seemed likely.
“Although it would have been great to be part of the 22 this week, I just couldn’t get my body in a position to help the team by the end of this year,” Higgins said
“I, thankfully, now get to retire without the regret of ‘what could have been?’ because I did everything possible.
“Sometimes, the footy gods are with you, and sometimes they’re not.
“But, I feel like even this season they are. I could have been retired ten years ago with a navicular injury or two years ago when North Melbourne were looking to rebuild.
“So, to be able to come back down here and learn off some great players, some great coaches, further my footy knowledge, and still play a role, particularly with the forwards and the younger guys this year … I get satisfaction out of that.”
Higgins has been widely praised for the work he’s done off-field at Geelong and the knowledge he has off the game.
However, he’s unsure of his movements post-playing.
“I’m going to get away and spend some time to weigh up all options,” Higgins said. “I’ve kept doors open in a number of areas.
“So, whether it’s to step aside from football for a little bit?
“But, I’m sure, going forward, footy will be there in some capacity.
“I’ve just got to work out what that looks like.”
Higgins, though, has ruled out playing at local level in 2023.
“There’s 100 per cent no chance of that happening,” he said.
“I’ve had a conversation with a few mates that are involved down here. I can assure them and everyone else (I won’t be playing).
“It’s been a battle to get to this stage, and the work that’s had to go in from a lot of people behind the door here that are full-time medical staff to get me to train and play, I’m not sure I’ll get that service at local level.
“I’m happy to sit back and watch footy from now.”
Twitter: @krockfootball
