Geelong Recruiting and List Manager Stephen Wells says that he expects Shaun Higgins will fill the hole left by the recently retired Gary Ablett Jr next season, after the Cats secured the two-time Kangaroos best and fairest for pick 30 in this year’s draft on Wednesday.

Higgins, who grew up a Geelong supporter and played his junior football for Newtown & Chilwell Football Club, returns home after a highly decorated career at the Western Bulldogs and North Melbourne Football Clubs.

Speaking to AFL Trade Radio yesterday, Wells said Higgins should be a versatile and valuable asset in the club’s 2021 premiership tilt.

“Specifically we think with Gary Ablett retiring there’s an opportunity there for an experienced, super-skilful and talented player to play that same sort or role that Gary did,” he said.

“Even added to that, I think Shaun is going to play a bit more inside mid this year as well. That’ll depend on how all the other inside mids are going. So where Gary was and inside mid as well.”

An All-Australian in 2018, Higgins is an elite ball user who has averaged over 20 disposals per contest each season since 2017, including a 28.4 mark in 2018.

He played 17 of a possible 18 games in 2020, ranking above average for disposals and marks according to Champion Data, while recording a season-high 36 touches against eventual premier Richmond in Round 7.