Shaun Higgins is hoping he and fellow recruits Jeremy Cameron and Isaac Smith can give some flexibility to the Cats in 2021.
The former Western Bulldog and North Melbourne player stepped out with the newest batch of Geelong recruits and draftees on Monday as they unveiled their playing numbers for next season.
“I still feel like I can play my best footy,” the 32-year-old said. “I’ve still got a role that I feel I can play through the middle of the ground and up forward.
“So I’m excited about that and, to be honest, (my job is to) come down and play whatever that role looks like. Guys will say that, when they go to a new club, but it really is just to fit into whatever the team needs.
“I think there’s still a few roles I can play, depending on what the team needs. Jezza (Cameron) will be up forward; I think Isaac can play a number of roles as well.
“So we give, hopefully, a little bit of flexibility next year.”
Higgins, 32, has inherited Gary Ablett Jnr’s number 4 guernsey – the same number Higgins wore at the Kangaroos between 2015 and 2020.
The number 4 has a lofty legacy at Geelong – also worn by legendary Cats Andrew Mackie, Bob Davis and Alistair Lord – and Higgins said he was excited to be donning it at his third AFL club.
“It’s amazing when you look around the locker room down here that there’s a story with nearly every number, given the history they’ve had over the last couple of decades,” he said.
“I’ve worn 4 the last six years … there was a good selection of numbers (available), but I was happy to roll again in the 4.”
Higgins’ move to GMHBA Stadium will be a homecoming of sorts. His father Mick played for Geelong reserves, and many a weekend was spent in the old Past Players Stand as a youngster, watching his team play.
His younger sister Danielle plays for the Cats’ AFL Women’s team.
“It’s a little bit surreal, I guess, if I think back to when I was a kid coming here as a mad Geelong supporter every week and now be pulling on the jumper,” Higgins said.
“I look forward to the first game that we have here. But it’s funny how footy finds a full circle.”
Heading into his 16th AFL season, Higgins was optimistic about the footy he could produce in 2021.
“Personally, I’m feeling really good, the body’s great, and I still believe that my best footy is still to come,” he said.
“I’m excited about what we can do moving forward: it’s another challenge for me.
“At my age, sometimes guys aren’t fortunate like this to get that challenge, so I’m looking forward to it.”
