11. Michael Firrito

[The Other Dean]

Michael Firrito
http://kangaroos.com.au/portals/0/images/players/133739ad.jpg

Fast Facts

Jumper No: 24
Height: 190
Weight: 95
DOB: 24/11/1983
Recruited From: Gembrook/Eastern U18/Box Hill Hawks
Career Matches: 41
Career Goals: 9



2006 Home & Away Totals

Matches: 17
Goals: 3
Marks: 76
Disposals: 237
Kicks: 130

After winning promotion from the rookie list mid-2003, he has steadily established himself as a senior player. Usually a tagger, he played all 23 matches in 2005 and put the shutters on some of the biggest names in the game. He might not be a big possession winner, but is remarkably consistent.

[Ted]

AFL Website 2007 Kangaroos Preview

Michael Firrito - Since being elevated from the Kangaroos' rookie list in 2003, Firrito has established himself as the club's No 1 tagger. His consistency and ability to shut down some of the competition's best midfielders means he should continue to be an automatic selection.

[The Other Dean]

AFL Website 2007 Kangaroos Preview

Michael Firrito - Since being elevated from the Kangaroos' rookie list in 2003, Firrito has established himself as the club's No 1 tagger. His consistency and ability to shut down some of the competition's best midfielders means he should continue to be an automatic selection.

"The club's No 1 tagger" ??

What the hell is Brady Rawlings then ?? Chopped liver ??

[The Other Dean]

Better late than never.

Spud has been playing consistent football so far this year and he had yet another good, even performance in the last line of defence again against the Pies. I still think we could use his drive, hardness, and accountability to great effect in the midfield, but given our current deficiencies in the Backline, I'm happy enough for him to stay down there for the time being. He provides a good contest no matter where he plays. And it has been pleasing to see him rarely beaten in the one-on-ones deep in defence.

Honestly, it's a testament to the bloke to see how well he's performed at FB. He's strong, plays tall, and (usually) has the speed to keep up on the lead. And, again, the drive he provides on the rebound with his long, penetrating kicks is a real bonus. Perhaps best of all, he has a genuinely commanding presence in our last line, and always keeps a cool head in crisis situations...a boon when you've got Pratty's brain fades to contend with, and guys like Sansbury running around like chooks with their heads cut off.

Round 1 Rating: 7
Season average: 7

[The Other Dean]

Okay, I know. So far, I've shown the work ethic of Jeff Spicoli on this whole 'Player Watch' deal. My apologies. I kind of tend to forget it's there.

So, by way of recap, let's...errr...recap.

Despite the team's poor form, Spud continued to be one of our few reliable performers in Rounds 2 and 3. He's still being played at FB, when myself and a few others would probably like to see him have a bit of a run in the midfield, but the upside is that the team appears to win out no matter where Spud plays. Love the man's work. His efforts in the contests are special.

I gave him votes in both the game against Port, and then again against the Hawks.

Round 2 Rating: 7
Round 3 Rating: 7

Season average : Still an even 7 at the conclusion of Round 3.

[The Other Dean]

So, on to tonight's game. As much as I am an avowed fan of the great footballing God that is Spud-o-licious, I must confess that I was a little nervous when I saw him manning up on Brown.

Nervous ?? Pffft.

One solitary goal, people. And to tell you the truth, I don't give a good godamn how many Brown missed. People didn't seem to want to cut Spud much slack when the opposition FF kicks a few through the agency of a few bullsh1t free kicks...sometimes given away by other defenders (who weren't Spud). So I'm giving Spud all the credit he deserves. Brown's tally was one single, measly goal. I'm stoked about that.

I thought Spud did really well in the one-on-ones. He spoiled well and was able to stand his ground against the super-strong Brown. In hindsight, this was probably a major reason behind the decision to play Spud on Brown - Spud's exceptional body strength - and.....well, it worked.

Credit to the midfield for disallowing easy supply to Brown, and a great effort by some of our guys (particularly Archer, and to a lesser extent Pratty, Sinkers, and Gibbo) in getting back to block Brown's path on a few crucial occasions.

I didn't give Spud a vote this week but, man, I was rapt with his game. And more importantly, I was rapt with the result....Brown - 1 goal. For a guy that is beyond dangerous, that's awesome. Spud claims another quality scalp.

Round 3 Rating: 7.5 (Tempted to push it up to 8.)

Season Average: 7.125

[juzlyboy]

Best year so far for sure. Stopped many FF's and kept them very quiet.

[The Other Dean]

Best year so far for sure. Stopped many FF's and kept them very quiet.

I agree. He's been huge.

Man, I haven't updated this fcuker for ages. To be honest, I just started feeling like I was going over the same ground. Especially when Spud has played pretty much exclusively at FB, and been so solid this season. I mean, he's a player who is so often discussed on these boards - writing these spiels just felt kinda superfluous after a while. Y'all have had such an informed grasp on where he's at and how damn good he's been for us this year.

But saying that, it still does not excuse my apparent lack of vim for this thread.

I guess.....

http://www.mondotees.com/ProductImages/Decals/D5105.jpg

But the good news is, I have been keeping a rating score for each of Spud's game. So I'll be posting that....you know, when I can be fcuked.

Something to look forward to, I'm sure.

[kool kangas]

http://www.kangaroos.com.au/portals/0/images/players/133739ad.jpg


Michael Firrito


Fast Facts

Jumper No: 11
Height: 190
Weight: 95
DOB: 24/11/1983
Recruited From: Gembrook/Eastern U18/Box Hill Hawks
Career Matches: 82
Career Goals: 13



2008 Home & Away Totals

Matches:
Goals:
Marks:
Disposals:
Kicks:

Having been given the No 11 jumper from Glenn Archer , Michael Firrito will be once again a formidable opponent for whoever he plays on.

Player report and stats will be posted during the season.