Shaun Higgins says he hopes to build on what has been a strong first half of the season.

After Saturday’s win over GWS, Higgins said the bye would give the playing group a chance to “refresh” before launching into a crucial final eleven games.

The 27-year-old said he had been pleased with his performance in the royal blue and white, but suggested there was still plenty of improvement left in the Roos’ line up.

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“I’ve been able to play consistent footy which I haven’t been able to do for a while,” Higgins told RSN on Monday.

“I wanted to prove to the club, that I appreciate them showing the faith in me, getting me across (from the Bulldogs), and then being able to repay them with some good footy so hopefully we can continue to build on that.”

Higgins said Saturday’s victory was pleasing, but with the Giants launching a third quarter comeback despite an inexperienced line up, the North players knew they had yet to put in a consistent four quarter effort.

“Obviously when key players go out, there’s a lot of talk about that. We knew it was still going to be tough,” he said.

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“They’ve got a lot of quality young guys in that side but it was pleasing we played. It wasn’t perfect, in the third quarter they got back into it but after that we managed to play the right way and come away with the win.”

Higgins said the standout performance of midfielder Nick Dal Santo on his return from injury was extremely pleasing.

“It’s amazing, he had 10 or 11 weeks out and he’s come back and had 30 (disposals),” he said.

“It’s not just the possessions, he frees up some of the other guys and gets our ball movement going the way we want.”

The number-four also had special praise for ruckman Todd Goldstein, who amassed a staggering 80 hitouts in the 56 point win – an AFL record.

“Without Mummy we expected we’d be able to get an advantage through there... I was talking to a few of the GWS boys after the game and they couldn’t believe what he was able to do in the ruck. He’s been fantastic for us throughout the year.”