Roo Higgins shakes off knee concerns

Shaun Higgins says he never doubted his ability to recover from knee surgery in time to face Adelaide in round one of the AFL season.

Star North Melbourne forward Shaun Higgins has declared himself fit to take on Adelaide in Saturday night's AFL first round clash after recovering from knee surgery.

The former Bulldog's pre-season campaign hit a hurdle in late February when he underwent surgery after reporting soreness in his left knee following the Kangaroos' opening NAB Challenge match against St Kilda.

Higgins will be a key figure for the Roos who will be attempting to win a round-one match for the first time since 2009.