Richmond captain Trent Cotchin has provided an interesting insight into the Tigers’ talented, livewire, young small forward Jack Higgins, who made an exciting AFL debut against Hawthorn at the MCG last Sunday.

Higgins kicked two eye-catching goals in Richmond’s 13-point win and endeared himself to the Tiger Army with his energetic style of play plus post-goal celebrations.

“The goals are the end result of what he does before that,” Cotchin told ‘ABC AFL Grandstand’ in the Richmond rooms post-match.

“His work ethic is elite for a young kid coming in, and probably the reason he got his opportunity today.

“He’s one of those kids that just loves the game.

“He told me he was here before I got here, and I got here pretty early. And he told me he slept here.

“So that’s the kind of kid he is . . . he was born ready to play AFL.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him grow as the year goes on.”

Given Higgins’ celebrations after kicking his two goals last Sunday were reminiscent of those former Richmond champion midfielder/small forward and five-time premiership hero Kevin Bartlett was so renowned for, it’s worthwhile looking at the comparison between him and KB on debut for the Tigers.

Higgins, 177cm, 76 kg and 19 years, 21 days of age, finished with 12 disposals (four kicks, eight handballs), two marks, five score involvements and two goals (2.1).

Bartlett, 177cm and 71kg, was 18 years, 57 days of age when he debuted against St Kilda at the MCG in Round 3 of the 1965 season. He had eight disposals (eight kicks, no handballs), took one mark and was goalless (0.1).

It took Bartlett until his sixth senior game before he kicked multiple goals in a match for Richmond (two v Fitzroy, Round 8, 1965).

Of course, in no way am I claiming Higgins is going turn out anywhere near as good as what KB was throughout his magnificent 403-game career with the Tigers.

There are, however, some clear similarities size-wise, in playing style, and most definitely on the celebration front.