New players arrive, senior players show them the ropes, but in the case of ex-Swan Shane Biggs ‘ arrival at the Kennel it has been one of the Dogs’ young brigade that has stepped in.
After two season on the rookie list in Sydney, Biggs has returned to Melbourne and Jake Stringer has ensured he’s felt right at home in his new surrounds.
“Strings has helped me around, he’s a lot like a bloke I used to play with in Gary Rohan,” Biggs said.
“They’re both country boys, really light hearted and loves having a joke.”
Biggs was also reunited with some familiar faces arriving Club, having played local football at Mulgrave with Lin Jong, and lining-up with Tom Campbell and Tory Dickson at VFL club the Bendigo Bombers.
But while the environs of the Kennel may be new, the workload of preseason is not, and it’s something the 23-year-old is quickly reacquainting himself with.
“It was a real struggle early and a real shock to the system, the body pulled up a bit sore the first couple of days, but it’s good to be running with the boys and everyone has come back pretty fit.”
Biggs believes his best football will be played across half-back, and has already spent some time with backs coach Rohan Smith
His running capacity and ball use are among the key traits the 23-year old brings to the Club.
Rookie drafted by the Swans in 2012, Biggs made 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.
Not having progressed through the traditional football talent pathway – there was no TAC Cup or national draft for Biggs– the 23-year-old has a strong appreciation for the opportunity he has at the Bulldogs.
Biggs started his football journey playing for Warrandyte in the third division of the Eastern Football League, before moving to division one side Mulgrave and then the Bendigo Bombers in the VFL.
Through that time, his work as an apprentice plumber instilled a strong work ethic in the former Yarra Valley Grammar student from Croydon.
“I think it helped me a lot, I matured a lot in those years,” Biggs said.
“I got an apprenticeship and realized what it was like to work full time and the rigors of that, so when I did get the chance [to play AFL football] I really cherished it and still do.
“I wake up every morning excited about what’s to come.”
