Australian Rules footballer Jack Higgins has publicly reversed his scathing assessment of Adelaide, admitting he was "completely wrong" after a visit to South Australia with his partner.
From Hotel Room Insult to Public Apology
The St Kilda forward found himself in hot water earlier this year during the AFL's Gather Round. After his side's 17-point victory over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, Higgins was asked by Channel Seven's Erin Phillips if he would be exploring the city. His response sparked immediate controversy.
"No, I don't like Adelaide, so I'll probably be in my room playing Call of Duty with the boys," Higgins remarked, referring to the popular video game. The comment, perceived as a cheeky swipe at the South Australian capital, quickly made headlines and drew criticism from fans, commentators, and even the state's Premier, Peter Malinauskas.
A Week of Exploration Changes Everything
Higgins has since performed a dramatic about-face. He recently accepted an invitation to experience the best of South Australia alongside his partner, Tenisha Crook. The trip fundamentally altered his perspective.
"It's lovely. I was completely wrong," Higgins confessed to Channel Seven. "(After my comment), the whole of Adelaide was messaging me and abusing me." The couple embarked on a tour of the state's major attractions, starting with the Adelaide Oval roof climb, which gave the footballer a breathtaking new view of the famous sporting ground.
Their itinerary also included immersing themselves in the farming culture of Penola, located in the renowned Coonawarra wine region and rich with heritage sites. A highlight was snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters of the Kilsby sinkhole, a stunning 27-metre-deep geological formation on a sheep farm.
Fan Reaction and Sporting Inspiration
The public backtrack has been met with amusement and approval on social media. One Instagram user quipped, "Higgo finally waking up and realising it's (Adelaide) 10x better than Melbourne," while others defended the player from further criticism.
In a separate revelation that has also endeared him to fans, the 26-year-old, who has played 145 AFL games since moving from Richmond to St Kilda in 2021, cited Australian cricketer Steve Smith as a key inspiration. Higgins praised Smith's legendary work ethic and extra preparation, stating he has "really looked up to him" throughout his own career.
Higgins's experience serves as a reminder that first impressions—especially those made in the heat of a post-match interview—can be misleading, and that even a footy star can admit when he's made a mistake.
