He’s already played 220 games, won two Syd Barker Medals and earned an All-Australian guernsey, but playing for his home state of Victoria will sit firmly among Shaun Higgins’ finest achievements.
The North vice-captain will line up alongside teammates Todd Goldstein and Ben Cunnington in the ‘Big V’ next Friday night, and says it’s an opportunity he’ll cherish.
“It’s a huge honour, personally to be able to play and represent my state,” Higgins said on Tuesday.
“But the more important thing is to help in what’s been a difficult time for the country and many people.”
The one-off State of Origin match will raise money to help re-build football facilities ripped apart by devastating bushfires across Australia.
“It’s a great night for all involved and we’re rapt to be part of it,” Goldstein said.
“Hopefully it can really help the bushfire communities.”
Nine of the top 10 players from last year’s Brownlow Medal count will take to the field in a star-studded game.
“Anytime you get to play with the absolute best in the competition, you’ve got to jump at it,” Goldstein said.
“Anytime you get the opportunity to put on the 'Big V', you understand the history that goes with that and the players and performances that have gone before us. You definitely want to live up to that.”
Tickets for the game are available now.
Last month, North Melbourne committed $50,000 towards the fundraising efforts for the bushfire disaster.
The club’s AFL and AFLW players also banded together to pledge an additional $10,000.
“You’re representing both your football club and the state, and many of the people who have been affected over the last couple of months,” Higgins added.
“It’s a tremendous honour. “
