NORTH Melbourne's push toward the AFL finals will receive a boost with star veteran Shaun Higgins set to return from knee surgery against the Western Bulldogs.
The 30-year-old pulled up sore after the Roos' round 19 win over West Coast in Hobart and had a minor arthroscopic procedure on his right knee the day after arriving back in Melbourne.
He will need to pass a fitness test at Thursday's main training session but is confident he will line up against his former side at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
MATCH PREVIEW Kangaroos v Bulldogs
"It looks likely at this stage ... I'm really optimistic," Higgins told reporters on Wednesday.
"... My knee locked up at the airport, I had a scan Monday morning and it required surgery.
"I had some cartilage that was locking the knee joint so I had some cartilage removed and some bone taken out as well.
"All the feedback was really positive post-surgery. I've done everything to the letter so far and hopefully that continues."
Higgins, who is enjoying an outstanding season, was able to train on a stationary bike two days after surgery and resumed running this week.
His inclusion is a huge plus for Brad Scott's side that sits 10th on the ladder with an 11-8 record.
The Kangaroos, who will likely need to win their remaining three home-and-away season games to snare a finals berth, face a Bulldogs side that has found some winning form after a wretched run.
Respected Bulldogs veteran Dale Morris will play his 250th AFL game.
"He's been a fantastic servant to that footy club," Higgins, who played 129 games for the Dogs before switching to North, said of Morris.
"Just the way that he goes about his football, I'm sure the rest of the boys will want to do their best to repay him and get a win.
"But it's a really important game for us as well.
"We'll focus on what we need to do."
