Originally from Bendigo Football League club Sandhurst, Higgins made his VFL debut in the opening round of 1970 in Geelong's nine-point win over Hawthorn at Glenferrie Oval.
Higgins was appointed playing coach of the Newtown and Chilwell Football Club in late 1980 as they prepared for their third season in the fledgling GFL competition.
Newtown & Chilwell finished runner-up to North Shore in 1981 and then went on to defeat reigning GDFL Division 1 premier St Peter’s in 1982.
The Eagles then made three straight Grand Final appearances between 1985 and 1987, winning the first two deciders and falling just short of a hat-trick of flags when beaten by St Albans by 22 points despite having two more scoring shots.
He was appointed coach of SANFL club Sturt in 1990 but only lasted one season with the Double Blues after they could manage just two wins on their way to the second of would become eight consecutive wooden spoons.