There aren’t too many players in the competition who can safely say they’re continuing to take their game to new heights 13 years into their career; Shaun Higgins is an exception.

The 2017 Syd Barker Medal winner has been recognised among the top 50 players in the competition, after voting from his teammates and opponents.

Higgins broke into the top 50 after failing the make the cut last year, which is a strong indication of his upwards trajectory.

It’s fitting recognition for North’s number four, who averaged a career-high 23 disposals per-game last season.

2018 is already looking to be another strong year for the midfielder, who has completed an uninterrupted pre-season, a sign of his impressive durability.

Higgins featured in the International Rules series at the end of 2017, played in the inaugural AFLX tournament, and starred in both of North’s JLT Community Series, averaging over 22 disposals in both matches.

The impact of the 30-year-old isn’t truly represented on the stat sheet, as his ability to hit the scoreboard and add some class by foot to compliment North’s in-and-under midfielders is immeasurable.

North showed their faith to Higgins last week, by extending his contract by a year, which will see him in the royal blue and white until the end of 2020.