SHAUN Higgins is confident he can take his football to greater heights after re-signing with North Melbourne until the end of 2019.
Higgins' talent was always obvious in his 129-game, nine-season stint with the Western Bulldogs, but the former Geelong Falcon has produced the most consistent football of his career since crossing to the Kangaroos in the 2014 free agency period.
Higgins finished third in North's best and fairest award in his first season at Arden St and, after a knee injury limited him to nine games in 2016, he has been one of the Roos' best performers in a difficult 2017.
Already contracted for 2018, Higgins extended his tenure at North for a further year this week.
The 29-year-old told NMFC.com.au on Friday he has high hopes for himself and North over the next two years.
"As long as the club felt I could be a benefit to the team, I had no hesitation in signing an extension, knowing that I still have my best footy ahead of me," Higgins said.
"I've loved my time at Arden St and while this year has been somewhat disappointing I'm really excited by what the future holds and strongly believe we are on the right path."
Higgins has missed just one game this season – with a hamstring injury in round five – and has averaged 22.1 possessions (third at North) at 70 per cent efficiency, five inside 50s (first) and 5.5 tackles (second).
The Kangaroos' classiest ball-user, he is ranked first at the club for goal assists and equal fourth for goals (14, behind Ben Brown, Jarrad Waite and Kayne Turner).
Higgins has also spent more time in the midfield this season and has thrived at stoppages, establishing himself as one of the Kangaroos' best inside midfielders. He is ranked third in contested possessions, clearances and centre clearances at North this year.