St Kilda forward Jack Higgins has announced his engagement to long-term partner Tenisha Crook, marking a joyous personal milestone with a humorous nod to a notorious chapter in his football career. The couple revealed their engagement after eight years together, with Higgins popping the question during the AFL's Gather Round event in Adelaide.
A Playful Announcement References Past Controversy
Higgins shared the news on social media with a witty post that immediately caught the attention of footy fans. "Incoming ... the future Missy Higgins," he wrote, cleverly referencing the nickname he was saddled with back in 2021. That moniker emerged after a challenging match against the Sydney Swans where Higgins kicked one goal and six behinds, setting an unfortunate club record for inaccuracy.
The Origin of the 'Missy Higgins' Nickname
The media quickly latched onto the nickname, creating a play on words that blended the name of famous Australian singer Missy Higgins with Jack's wayward performance that afternoon. Headlines at the time prominently featured the label, much to the displeasure of St Kilda officials. Club executive Simon Lethlean expressed concern at the time, stating that while scrutiny is part of the game, the club preferred to focus on supporting their players rather than highlighting negative aspects of their performance.
"There was some feedback about the use of nicknames like Missy Higgins and the like for Jack," Lethlean explained. "No one likes young athletes being scrutinised with negativity, but our job here is to put support around those players, which they've got, and focus on how to improve."
From Criticism to Celebration
Higgins has clearly developed a sense of humor about the incident in the years since, transforming what was once a source of frustration into a lighthearted engagement announcement. Fans have embraced his approach, with one commenting: "That is the best snag of your life there brother. Congratulations to you both." Another added: "I hope she has a good sense of humour."
A Supportive Partnership Through Challenges
Crook has been by Higgins' side through significant challenges, including his serious brain surgery in 2019 and the difficult 2021 season when he received the "Missy Higgins" sledge. Their eight-year relationship has weathered both personal and professional storms, making the engagement announcement particularly meaningful for the couple.
Irony in Location and Changed Perspectives
The engagement announcement carries additional irony given Higgins' previous comments about Adelaide. During last year's Gather Round, the footballer famously declared he didn't like the South Australian capital, saying he would likely spend his time in his room playing Call of Duty with teammates rather than exploring the city.
Higgins has since completely reversed his position, even serving as an ambassador for South Australian tourism during this year's footy festival. In an Instagram advertisement, he admitted: "All right – I was 100 percent wrong about South Australia. I went on a road trip through the Limestone Coast and was blown away by everything."
The footballer encouraged others to follow his example, saying: "So many people will be driving over for Gather Round so do what I did and take the scenic route! Honestly – it was all elite." This transformation from critic to champion of South Australia adds another layer to his engagement story, which now connects him more personally to the region where he proposed.
As Higgins moves forward with his personal life and football career, his ability to laugh at past challenges while celebrating present joys demonstrates a maturity that extends beyond the football field. The engagement announcement serves as both a personal milestone and a public demonstration of how athletes can transform criticism into humor and growth.
