Richmond Head of Football Neil Balme says the club are very wary of the media potentially taking advantage of first-year forward Jack Higgins.
Higgins has introduced an infectious energy in his debut season for both the Tigers and the AFL in general with his lively and entertaining media interviews, which showcase his enthusiasm.
The top-end draft pick penned a two-year contract extension after an influential start to his career at the Tigers. While the club wants simply for the teenager to go along just being himself, Balme is somewhat cautious of not exploiting Higgins with too many media commitments.
โA couple of his teammates keep saying: โare you ok with this? Be careful of what you doโ. Thatโs the best control you can have,โ Balme toldย SEN Mornings.
โWe have to protect him because heโs such an easy mark for TV and radio because they think: โoh this bloke will say somethingโ.
โWhich is fine, but we just have to control it a little bit so heโs not seen to be as soon as we want someone to say something stupid weโll go and talk to him. We have to be a little bit careful of that.
โHeโs bright enough to work that out. Heโs happy to be seen that way, but we do protect him a little bit."
Balme revealed the club held off on the announcement of Higgins' re-signing, as he was already getting loads of media attention in that time frame.
โWeโre really pleased that heโs re-signed," he said.
"He signed a little while ago, but we didnโt make it a big thing because he was getting so much press.
โWeโre really pleased to have him.โ
Last season's Morris Medallist had booted 11 goals from his 11 games, collecting a career-high 25 disposals in last week's win over the Crows.
Richmond will be in action against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night at Spotless Stadium.
