It went right down to the wire, well into red time of the NAB AFL Trade Period, but amongst the flurry of last minute paperwork, Shane Biggs became a Bulldog.
Following Biggs’ career with interest in recent years, Bulldogs List Manager Jason McCartney had earmarked the Sydney rookie as someone that could add outside run and pace to the Bulldogs’ back half.
With less than 15 minutes to run in the trade period, McCartney got his man.
“Obviously it all happened pretty late in the trade period, I was a bit nervous there, but I’m very pleased to get something done and become a Bulldog,” Biggs told westernbulldogs.com.au from his Sydney home on Friday.
VIDEO: Watch List Manager Jason McCartney discuss new recruit Shane Biggs and the Club's Trade Period activities.
Taking the road less travelled to the big league, Biggs didn’t play TAC Cup football, rather started his push for the senior ranks from the Eastern Football League, before making his first senior appearance in the VFL for the Bendigo Bombers in 2011.
In 2012, Biggs was rookie drafted by the Swans, making his debut in round 23 of the following year against Hawthorn collecting 18 disposals.
He played a further two games that season, finals against Carlton and Fremantle, gathering 21 and 15 touches in respective matches.
While glandular fever delayed his start to 2014, impressive NEAFL form earned him a further three senior appearances in a Swans outfit that would ultimately play-off in the Grand Final.
Smart with ball in hand, with strong work ethic, Biggs has played both off half-back and through the midfield in his time in the harbour city.
“I’m hoping to bring a lot of run, high work rate, and I pride myself on my skills – using the ball well off half-back, ’ Biggs said.
Having to now pack up his home in Sydney, and with a brief holiday scheduled before reporting for pre-season training, Biggs is eager for the opportunity to play regularly in front of family and friends in Melbourne.
“I’ve loved my time in Sydney, putting myself out of my comfort zone, living away from home up, and giving me the chance to play AFL football,” Biggs said.
“But to get the chance to get back with my network of family in friends in Melbourne will mean I lot.
“I’m look forward to seeing more of them, and hopefully being able to play football in front of them more often.”
Biggs will also be reunited with some familiar faces when he arrives at Victoria University Whitten Oval, having played alongside Tom Campbell and Tory Dickson at the Bendigo Bombers, while Lin Jong was a teammate at local club Mulgrave.
Having watched a lot of football in his time north of the border, Biggs is eager to get to know his new teammates at the Kennel
“I watch a lot of footy, and the Bulldogs have got a great young group of players, with some very experienced senior leaders in there to.
“It’s an exciting young group of players to be a part of, and I’m looking forward to getting back down to Melbourne and getting started.”
