North Melbourne star Shaun Higgins has scotched the suggestion he’s holding his AFL home to ransom for longer job security.
A Channel Seven report has linked the 31-year-old to a surprise switch to Geelong in the off-season, despite the in-form midfielder having a year to run on his deal at Arden Street.
Higgins said the report was “factually incorrect”.
“I actually haven’t received anything from the football club so it’s a little bit baffling where that came from last night,” he said.
“I’m contracted for next year if people have forgotten that.
“I haven’t received anything so there’s nothing for me to reject and there’s also nothing for me to accept at the moment.”
Higgins joined North Melbourne from Western Bulldogs at the end of the 2014, quickly becoming a key player under Brad Scott and signing an extension at the start of 2018.
That deal will expire at the end of next season, meaning the end of this season will be new coach Rhyce Shaw’s sole opportunity to trade his star rather than risk losing him for nothing next year.
Even at 31, Higgins has shown his worth in 15 matches this campaign, tallying more than 30 possessions eight times before a mid-year shoulder injury.
His comments on Tuesday don’t preclude the possibility of a move to Geelong.