There’s no denying the considerable football talent that Richmond’s first pick (No. 17 overall) in the 2017 AFL national draft, small forward Jack Higgins, possesses.

With a Morrish Medal (best and fairest in the 2017 TAC Cup competition playing for Oakleigh Chargers), Vic Metro’s MVP award (for his efforts in this year’s under-18 national championships), selection in the under-18 All-Australian team, and Champion Data’s highest-ever junior football ranking points, Higgins clearly shapes as a top prospect for the Tigers.

But it’s Higgins’ great passion for the game and will to win that sets him apart.

“He just loves his footy and is a fierce competitor,” said Oakleigh Chargers talent manager Craig Notman.

“With everything he does in a footy capacity, it’s to make sure he improves and gets the best out of himself in that footy context.

“He’s got a real willingness to succeed and that shows through . . .

“He sees guys in the opposition side that are highly touted as draft picks and he loves a challenge of taking them on.

“It is no coincidence he is able to get the best out of himself because he works his backside off.

“He has a willingness to work on the thing he needs to work on and, from an AFL coaching capacity, that’s what you want to see out of your players.

“Everything is done at 100 per cent and everything is done with the intent to improve himself.

“If he’s not the most determined player I’ve seen coming through the system, he’d be very close to the top.

“He’s certainly got an end goal in mind – and he’ll do everything in his power to get there.”