Richmond chasing Bulldog free agent Shaun Higgins: Ch 7 news

[Chuck17]

Geez Geez here we go again 

 

[one-eyed]

At least four clubs in the hunt for out-of-contract Bulldog Shaun Higgins

Nick Bowen 
afl.com.au
July 29, 2014 7:15 PM

SHAUN Higgins has become one of the most sought-after players in 2014's dwindling free agency pool, with at least four clubs circling the classy Western Bulldog.

AFL.com.au understands North Melbourne, Carlton, Richmond and Greater Western Sydney have expressed their interest in Higgins, who has put off contract talks with the Western Bulldogs until the end of this season.

It is understood the main sticking point in the Dogs' negotiations with Higgins earlier this year was the length of their proposed new offer rather than remuneration.

The Bulldogs are believed to have offered Higgins a two-year deal but the 26-year-deal is after a new three-year contract.

Higgins is on between $350,000-$400,000 a season under his existing deal with the Bulldogs but the level of interest in him could push his price up.

Higgins' manager, Bruce Kaider of One Management Group, would not comment on his negotiations with the Bulldogs when contacted by AFL.com.au but said his client had not "pursued or actively listened to" any offers from rival clubs.

Kaider also said Higgins was committed to re-opening his negotiations with the Dogs at the end of this season before entertaining opposition offers.

Higgins' career has been plagued by injuries.

A broken foot restricted him to three games last season and he was plagued by the groin condition osteitis pubis earlier in his career.

But Higgins has enjoyed a better run this season, playing the Bulldogs' first 15 games before being dropped to the VFL.

The Bulldog is also such a classy ball user that opposition clubs might be prepared to punt on his injury-free run continuing and offer him the three-year deal he is seeking.

Along with Adelaide's David Mackay, Higgins is one of just two restricted free agents left in the 2014 pool, which gives the Bulldogs the right to keep him by matching the terms of any rival offer.

The Bulldogs have played the 186cm utility across half-back this season but he is equally at home in the midfield or attack.

Higgins was pick No. 11 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft and has played 124 matches and kicked 126 goals.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-07-29/four-clubs-circle-higgins

[Diocletian]

Can't wait to be stuck with him for three years taking up 400k of our cap each year while he likely sits on the injury list

Meanwhile we dip out of the race for Cameron next year or Martin leaves because we've got at least 700k p.a. tied up in our rehab group & Hampson in the VFL.

Then there's the small matter of a side that desperately needs more pace going after a bloke who was dropped from his side because he lacked pace.

RFC - Halfway House of the AFL....

[Dice]

Houli on one half back flank and Higgins on the other. We'd have to put Neil Balme at CHB to ensure it wasn't the weakest , softest half back line in the history of football.

Shaun Higgins ! Pffftt !  What a joke our club is for going after him.

[🏅Dooks]

jeeeeeeezuz any chance North could do their own thing for a change?

[Judge Roughneck]

Houli on one half back flank and Higgins on the other. We'd have to put Neil Balme at CHB to ensure it wasn't the weakest , softest half back line in the history of football.

Shaun Higgins ! Pffftt !  What a joke our club is for going after him.

At least grigg will add grunt from the wing

[the claw]

do not want. not because of injuries but performance. i think the injury thing a bit of a joke. he broke an ankle in 08 then
from 09 to 12 he played, 20, 17, 18, and 19 games. id take that every day of the week. where he has failed to play was last yr, he  played just 3 last yr but has  has already turnrd that around and  played 15 this yr.

for me pace and his overall performances just have not been good enough to warrant us going after him. yes we can do with some good kicks in the side but ffs no more glass half fulls. while he uses it really well he lacks in far too many areas. not a big possesion winner. doesnt win contested ball slow,  doesnt kick a lot of goals,  is not a clearance player and i can go on.
for sure target blokes who can use the ball well, but ffs target players who are well rounded and not so limited to go with it.

im asking what role would we envision for this bloke and does his performances and attributes indicate he can consistenly perform that role.

[Hellenic Tiger]

Please no. Enough of the soft token flankers.
Someone with toughness please.

[tigs2011]

Boy oh boy what a coup this would be. Shrewd pick up Tiges just quietly 

[Diocletian]

McMahon Mk.II

[one-eyed]

McCartney remained tight lipped when asked whether Shaun Higgins, who becomes a free agent at season's end, would be at the club next year.

AFL.com.au understands North Melbourne, Carlton, Richmond and Greater Western Sydney have expressed their interest in the 26-year-old, who is reportedly after a three-year contract.

"It's not my area" McCartney said.

"We're all engaging in conversations about where we want our group to go. Our footy manager and our list manager, they go to work on it. That's all I have to say on it."

Higgins was axed from the Bulldogs' round 18 side that lost to Essendon but has put his hand up for a recall against the Hawks on Sunday after a solid performance in the VFL.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2014-07-31/bulldog-stays-in-the-kennel