When most players hit 30, questions start being asked over their value and place on an AFL list, but for Shaun Higgins and North Melbourne, those conversations couldn’t be further away.

The midfielder is healthy and in career-best form, and is now earning the recognition from the game’s most respected voices.

“It’s time to acknowledge Shaun Higgins as one of the top ten players in the competition,” Paul Roos said on On The Couch.

“This guy, since he transferred over from the Western Bulldogs as a free agent, is an absolute superstar.

“Every part of his game is in really, really good shape.

“He can play inside, he can play outside, his ball use is absolutely elite.

“I love watching this guy play footy.”

Higgins’ 38 disposals against Brisbane on the weekend set a career-high, a record rarely achieved by a player in their 13th season.

The skilful mid surpassed his previous personal best, 36, which was set back in 2014 during his time at the Bulldogs, as well as his all-time high number of handballs; now 23.

His Round 11 performance was no flash in the pan however, with 2018 a record-breaking year on a number of fronts.

North’s number four is averaging a career-best number of disposals (26.0), kicks (14.3), handballs (11.7), frees for (1.5), inside 50’s (5.8) and clearances (4.7).

After missing Round 6 following a sickening concussion against the Hawks, Higgins has returned in red-hot form, averaging five more disposals than he did before his week off.

Higgins joins Scott Thompson and Jarrad Waite as players over 30 who are experiencing  career-best years at North.