One of my favourite things about the 2018 AFL season is Richmond Tigers star draft recruit Jack Higgins. Despite having some seriously good footy skills, the kid is just a real good time. I’m seriously planning a story just dedicated to how delightful he is at some point down the track, just because he is pure joy. But right now, I’m here to discuss the goal he kicked on the weekend, because the footy world just cannot stop talking about it.
During his side’s spicy match-up against 3rd-placed Collingwood, Higgins displayed some of the most desperate, innovative ball work we’ve seen in a long time. Heading over the goal line in the 3rd quarter while just 4 points separated the team’s scores, he managed to keep the ball in play, run around the goal post, the bicycle kick it back over his own head.
Cop a look at this:
JACK HIGGINS!
He pulls a rabbit out of the hat for a @coateshire Goal of the Year contender! #AFLTigersPies pic.twitter.com/yXUukeKmM4
— AFL (@AFL) July 28, 2018
Though it went to video ref, it was deemed an Umpire’s Call and the goal umpire stuck his two hands out to award the 6 points.
Twitter predictably exploded with people calling it the goal of the year, while others claimed Higgins’ actions counted as a throw and therefore the goal shouldn’t have been allowed. In fact, the debate is still going, even though the game happened last night.
One one side…
Based on Jack Higgins goal being allowed in the #AFLTigerPies I could run along, throw the ball over the defenders head but kick it on the full as I run past and it’s deemed an OK action of getting the ball to my foot. Nope that’s BS. It’s a throw. #throw #excitingbutstillathrow
— Doug Kelly (@dougkelly10) July 28, 2018
Unpopular Opinion: Jack Higgins goal was a throw.
— Scott Dooley (@scottdools) July 28, 2018
https://twitter.com/NathanHorsburgh/status/1023398581871370241
On the other:
I’m astonished how many people are saying Jack Higgins’ goal was illegitimate. Propelling the ball from hand to foot is NOT a throw, regardless of whether it initially travels up or down.
— Adam (@adaminotaur) July 28, 2018
I don’t see in what world the Jack Higgins goal is a throw. If that’s a throw, 50% of kicks every game are throws.
— Matthew Stone (@stone1_matthew) July 28, 2018
Jack Higgins’ goal is so much not a throw I actually don’t know where to start.
— Simon Morawetz (@SYMorawetz) July 28, 2018
Jack Higgins goal was NOT a throw. If he was tackled, threw it up and kicked it the umpire would say “got a boot to it”.. same thing here. Goal of the year. #AFLTigersPies
— Elijah (@Elijahb90) July 28, 2018
Anyone saying Jack Higgins goal was a throw or incorrect disposal have no clue. Not tackled, high ball drop, have to foot with no interruption. Goal and incredible goal awareness.. just enjoy a great piece of play. #AFLTigersPies #snags
— Cammo (@CammoCox) July 28, 2018
And some were like WHO CARES HOW GOOD IS FOOTY!
For mind it was a throw BUT Jack Higgins’ kick is now forever in the history books as a ‘goal’.
Incredible instinct and reaction though.— Rhett Bartlett (@rhettrospective) July 28, 2018
Did Jack Higgins “Technically” throw the ball during his GOTY Nominee, yes he did however if a bloke takes a hanger and puts his hands on a guys shoulders in getting there do we take it off him? No we don’t, so let’s just enjoy Snags goal for what it is and smile 👌👌🤙🤙
— DeathMATTch (@Bearded_Matt86) July 28, 2018
Higgins himself said post-match that he knew the goal was contentious, but the 19-year-old was just frothing how “crazy” it was.
What did Higgo think of THAT goal?
Watch it again here – https://t.co/f1hGbgmIis pic.twitter.com/GuSjbxdwc5
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) July 29, 2018
The AFL’s umpiring department has confirmed today that they stand by the decision to award the six points, calling it a “clear goal”, but debate still rages on. My take? Goal or not, Higgo is still a bloody character.
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