Roosters on-baller Jay Shannon winning race to be fit for grand final

NORTH Adelaide on-baller Jay Shannon is supremely confident of fronting Norwood in the grand final at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

NORTH Adelaide on-baller Jay Shannon is supremely confident of fronting Norwood in the grand final at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Shannon has been battling a hip injury, a legacy of the 56-point preliminary final victory over West Adelaide, but is optimistic of getting the green light to take his place in the side.

MORE: SEE THE GRAND FINAL TEAMS HERE

Despite failing to join his team-mates for a light 40-minute session at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday night, Shannon was expected to train on Friday night when the Roosters completed their preparations.

"Jay has told me the hip is improving heaps each day and he will be fine to play,'' Roosters coach Josh Francou said.

"He has got full movement back and will be right for our final session.''

Shannon was limping for much of the second half after taking a knock to the hip.

The Roosters had already lost Max Thring to a hamstring injury, prompting Francou to play Shannon in the goal square until being replaced in the finals minutes of the game.

Thing, forced out of last week's game just a minute into the third quarter, was named as the rover in a 23-man squad on Thursday but must prove his fitness on Saturday before his place in the team is confirmed.

The Roosters are attempting to be only the second team to come from fifth and claim the premiership. The Redlegs achieved the feat in 1984.

After thrashing Central District in the elimination final, the Roosters came from behind to beat Woodville-West Torrens before conquering West Adelaide last week.

"Apart from Jay and Max, the players are all physically in good nick,'' Francou said.

"We have not had a slog for all four quarters in the three finals and it is not a tired, fatigued team.''

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