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11 Michael Firrito

 
Details
Number11
Height190cm
Weight94kg
DOB27-11-1983
Debut2003
GamesGoals
2009020090
Career127Career23
Dreamteam Points
20090Go to Dream Team

Ask Michael a question on All Access

Promoted from the rookie list, Firrito made his debut in 2003 but only managed two games in his first season. He quickly became a regular for North Melbourne in the coming years, and a formidable opponent as a key backmen.

The former Box Hill Hawks tagger earned himself a NAB Rising Star nomination in 2004 and had the best season of his career in 2007 as the Roos made their way to a Preliminary Final.

The following year, Firrito was awarded the ultimate honour as Shinboner of the Century Glenn Archer presented him with the prized number 11 guernsey. The famous jumper would help Firrito to another strong season in 2008 in which he was selected to represent Australia during the International Rules Series against Ireland.

In 2009, former coach Dean Laidley gave Firrito more opportunities through the midfield. He played every match and averaged 17 possessions a game, also lifting his defensive work rate with 101 tackles for the season.

Darren Crocker 2009 review:
It was an interesting year for Spud. He'd have a good three- or four-week patch, then his form would tail off and then he'd have another couple of good games. By his own admission, it probably wasn't one of his better years. I also thought it was a big learning curve year for him, especially getting thrown back into the midfield and playing a few roles through there. It was very experimental with him and I don't know whether that hurt his year. Two years ago he was in line for All-Australian. He should be pretty motivated.

Draft history: 2003 rookie elevation (North Melbourne)
First game for North Melbourne: Round 12, 2003 v Essendon
Player honours: NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2004, International Rules Series 2008

Player sponsors: Charles Bongiovanni - Rendina Real Estate

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At a Glance

  • Junior Clubs: Gembrook
  • Clubs: North Melbourne
  • Debut: 2003
  • Recruited from: Box Hill Hawks
  • AFL Awards: International Rules 2008, NAB Rising Star nominee 2004
  • Club Awards:
  • Brownlow Votes:

News

Back to the future

Michael Firrito is confident that consistency will return with the more football he plays as a defender in 2010.Tuesday, December 29, 2009 - 7:10PM

Have your say: Syd Barker Medal

At the half way point of the season the competition is hotting up in the race for the 2009 Syd Barker Medal.Monday, June 22, 2009 - 10:25AM

Kangas angry, says Firrito

North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito says the players are angry with their performance against CollingwoodMonday, May 04, 2009 - 12:26PM

Pre-season gains give Firrito new stride

An uninterrupted pre-season has North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito feeling positive about 2009 Sunday, January 11, 2009 - 4:46PM

Keeper Firrito gets net gain

Roo Michael Firrito is getting some expert help before minding the goals in the International Rules SeriesFriday, October 10, 2008 - 12:31PM

Video

Last time they met: North v Port Adelaide

View all the highlights from the last match between North Melbourne and Port Adelaide, in Round 7 of this year.Thursday, August 27, 2009 - 12:56PM

North Melbourne v Collingwood game review

RooTube caught up with Aaron Edwards and Michael Firrito after North Melbournes loss to Collingwood. Monday, May 04, 2009 - 12:55PM

Special Feature: Claws are out

RooTube caught up with three North Melbourne stars at the premiere of X-Men Origins: Wolverine at Village Cinemas Gold Class. Friday, May 01, 2009 - 11:15AM

Special Feature: 2009 Membership Ad

North Melbourne has launched its 2009 Membership advertisement. Log on to kangaroos.com.au to view the ad. Saturday, April 04, 2009 - 3:02PM

Last time they met: North Melbourne v WB

See all the highlights from the Round 19, 2008 clash between North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs. Wednesday, April 01, 2009 - 1:54PM

Career statistics:

Year Games Kicks Handballs Poss Marks Tackles Goals Behinds Brownlow
2003

6 2 8
3
0
0
2004 16  90  61  151  35  33 
2005 23  168  105  273  84  74 
2006 17  130  107  237  76  44 
2007 24  164  168  332  89  39 
2008
23 
156 
179 
335 
109 
40 


0
2009
22 
172 
197 
369 
81 
101 



Totals 127 
886 
819
1705 
475 
334 
23 
25 
0
Best   13
15 
24
10 



 

2009 photos:
(click any photo to enlarge)

Fun Facts:

Nickname: Spud

Describe yourself in one word:
Handsome

Number on back as a youngster:
Saverio Rocca

Most famous sports person met:
Mike Tyson

Likes to collect:
Stamps as a kid - I was a nerd

First job:
Ritchies Supermarket Emerald

Interests outside football:
Getting home to see friends

Spend last $100 on:
Number 4 at the track

Four people to invite to dinner:
Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, Ricky Ponting

Favourite music before a game:
Simmo's poor music mix

Makes you laugh: Seeing people trip over

Makes you cry: Injuries

Toughest opponent: Jonathan Brown

Most likely to succeed after football: Corey Jones - very smart man.

Guernsey number: 

See every player to wear the number 11 guernsey throughout the history of the North Melbourne Football Club. Includes game and goal tallies, as well as profiles for selected players.

Number 11 guernsey history

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Discuss all the news surrounding your favourite North Melbourne players by following the club's social networking sites.

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