Past #11: Michael Firrito - did #11 proud - 2017 assistant coach at Strathmore FC w/ HMac & Narni

[Twinkletoes]

Good to see him turn up to Wacky Wednesday as Mr Potato Head too.

 

[KangaRooster]

I'd almost go as far as to say that Mick's been our most consistent player this year aside from Goldy.

Glad he's going around again, much more confident in our backline with him down there.

 

[ansonholt]

Looks like he's going around in 2016. That's a huge win for us. Prettymuch irreplaceable in his current form.

 

[kool kangas]

Looks like he's going around in 2016. That's a huge win for us. Prettymuch irreplaceable in his current form.

North Melbourne has offered veteran defender Michael Firrito a contract to play on in 2016 but the parties are understood to be some way apart on salary.

 

[TennisPlayerAndy]

Thought he was done after Kerridge kicked six on him.

Has had a renaissance.

 

[Rooboy 96]

I love Micky been a super player and given many highlights, (you've got to be kidding, is there a higher authority?) but for our development as a club he now (IMO) sits behind JMac, for JMac's position only, we need more speed from the position he plays and can not afford to have both JMac and Micky in the same back half, even pulling Loose or Thomo out (as some have suggested) would not resolve the speed issue, as they would need to be replaced with talls.

Love Micky, and agree he had one of his best seasons in 2015 but time to hang the boots up, for team balance reasons only.

Hope everyone bumps this post when he has a norm smith hanging around his neck this time next year.

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

 

[Heaps of fun]

Actually amazing what Michael has done with his career post 2013. True shinboner and very happy to have him go around again, our rock.

 

[giantroo]

 

[Rod Stroker]

Actually amazing what Michael has done with his career post 2013. True shinboner and very happy to have him go around again, our rock.

Agree. Thought he was gone after 2013. His last 2 seasons have been very solid, last year even more so.

 

[kangaspurs]

I love Micky been a super player and given many highlights, (you've got to be kidding, is there a higher authority?) but for our development as a club he now (IMO) sits behind JMac, for JMac's position only, we need more speed from the position he plays and can not afford to have both JMac and Micky in the same back half, even pulling Loose or Thomo out (as some have suggested) would not resolve the speed issue, as they would need to be replaced with talls.

Love Micky, and agree he had one of his best seasons in 2015 but time to hang the boots up, for team balance reasons only.

Hope everyone bumps this post when he has a norm smith hanging around his neck this time next year.

I actually prefer JMac playing further up the ground. He can be a little flaky in one-on-one defensive contests but when he's in time and space he's a lovely kick of the footy and he has decent speed and endurance as well. He also has that ability to just find the ball which I think we need more of around the footy. He's also quite solid in the contested ball and can certainly win his own ball when needed. I genuinely think he could end up a seriously good mid.

Anyway, absolutely delighted that Spud has signed on for a further year. Not only is he one of our greatest ever clubman (evidenced by him winning yet another best clubman award this season) but his form over the last 24 months is well worth another contract alone.

 

[muttley45]

Congrats to Spud, had a great season, and at his age, a 1 year contract is the norm, ask Boomer

 

[Higgins2Waite]

Underrated player that brings a lot to the table. Can play small and tall leaving us covered during quick turnovers. Strong bodied and gives us good drive out of defence. After the first half against *essendon he really stepped up and had a really solid year

 

[Heaps of fun]

Agree. Thought he was gone after 2013. His last 2 seasons have been very solid, last year even more so.

2014 was very solid. 2015 he added extra nuance to his game and thought he upped his contested marking game too.

 

[Grogg]

Love Micky, and agree he had one of his best seasons in 2015 but time to hang the boots up, for team balance reasons only.

 

[CURVE]

250+ games from a guy selected through the rookie list is an amazing career. Happy to see it continue for another season.

 

[jess_1804]

Doing the #11 proud. Well done Spud!

 

[Rooboy 96]

I actually prefer JMac playing further up the ground. He can be a little flaky in one-on-one defensive contests but when he's in time and space he's a lovely kick of the footy and he has decent speed and endurance as well. He also has that ability to just find the ball which I think we need more of around the footy. He's also quite solid in the contested ball and can certainly win his own ball when needed. I genuinely think he could end up a seriously good mid.

Anyway, absolutely delighted that Spud has signed on for a further year. Not only is he one of our greatest ever clubman (evidenced by him winning yet another best clubman award this season) but his form over the last 24 months is well worth another contract alone.

no one would be happier then me if you are right.

 

[kangaspurs]

no one would be happier then me if you are right.

Maybe Phillyroo, but that would be about it.

 

[Rooboy 96]

 

[Grogg]

View attachment 184484

 

[Rooboy 96]

hey Grogg I prey you are right.

 

[gokangas]

Spud deserves another year. Hope he has a ripper.

 

[andana]

Time to train up Neilson.

 

[Ahern2Boof]

#11 Michael Firrito

Games: 23
Goals: 0

After a resurgent 2014 season, Michael Firrito entered his 13th year firmly entrenched in the North Melbourne backline. A solid NAB Challenge campaign had the veteran primed for the start of the season, but was one of a number of players that struggled in Round 1 against Adelaide. He responded in the following weeks, playing a number of different roles in the backline, be it as a loose man or on a opposition tall forward.

Firrito was crucial in the club’s Round 10 win over West Coast, keeping Josh Hill to no scoreboard impact, before spending time on Sydney superstar Lance Franklin the following week, highlighting his versatility. In Round 15, he was one of North’s best, amassing a season-high 19 disposals and taking seven marks against Geelong, cutting off several opposition attacks.

A fortnight later against Brisbane, Firrito was again resolute in defence, taking Brent Staker out of the game and finishing with 16 possessions and seven grabs. The following week, Firrito was suspended for striking Matthew Kreuzer, but returned in Round 20 against St Kilda. He was steady without being outstanding to finish the season, with Round 22 against the Western Bulldogs a highlight as ‘Spud’ chalked up his 250th game, becoming just the 10th player in North Melbourne history to do so. A week later, he was rested in the lead-up to North’s September campaign.

Playing in his 10th final, Firrito was a sure hand in defence, winning some vital one-on-one contests against the Richmond forwards. A week later, he was again prominent against the Swans, ending with 15 touches and laying four tackles, before putting in a strong, gutsy display in the Preliminary Final against West Coast.

Firrito’s worth and popularity around the club was rewarded at the Syd Barker Medal, with the veteran named the best clubman. At the age of 32, Firrito was awarded with a one-year contract extension. After his career looked finished just two seasons ago, Firrito has fought on valiantly, and will leave a gaping hole in the backline when he eventually does hang the boots up.

Veteran defender Michael Firrito says North Melbourne won’t be shying away from any expectations and pressure after the side’s sensational finals run last season.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2015-02-23/ready-for-the-pressure

North Melbourne will almost certainly go into its round one clash against Adelaide without two of its best key defenders, but Michael Firrito is confident the Roos can counter the Crows’ three-pronged forward line.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2015-02-24/finding-cover

Michael Firrito says he’s looking forward to renewing acquaintances with James Podsiadly, should the pair match up on Sunday.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2015-03-31/back-for-more

Defender Michael Firrito says North’s defence is aiming to “take the game on and be more aggressive” in the second half of the year.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2015-07-01/taking-the-game-on

This Saturday, Michael Firrito will become just the 10th North Melbourne player to reach the 250 game milestone.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2015-08-28/super-spud

Unfinished finals business will be driving North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito when he embarks on his 14th AFL season next year.

http://www.nmfc.com.au/news/2015-10-15/firrito-goes-again