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

[Contra Mundum]

Of course they don't. They'd barely know he exists.

He's only played over 200 games and is one of the best and most loyal clubmen in the history of the game as well as a fantastic player in a variety of roles, but yeah, he gets nothing.

You can probably tell I love the spud.

He used to s**t me with the brain fade fifties but he has seemed to have got that out of the game. A loyal player who has got absolutely everything out of himself. Top Bloke too

 

[LuvtheKangas]

North Melbourne ‏@NMFCOfficial 3m3 minutes ago
Scott: Spud (Firrito) has been our most consistent defender all year, so he'll come straight back in #NMFCMedia

Says it all, really. Outside the club, Spud's year has been underrated (and perhaps Robbie's overrated - although he has clearly exceeded expectations).

Who would've thought, 3-4 years ago, that Spud stays in the mix for 2016? It's a credit to him that he continues to get the best out of himself. We'd win 5 flags in a row if the rest of the list did the same.

 

[Shinbonermagic]

Got to love Spud, the way he goes about it, bleeds blue and white, a great club man, top bloke when you meet him and has done the no.11 proud

 

[ansonholt]

Some of the calls on here to drop him have been a long, long way off the mark. It was obvious last round how much we missed him. Vital part of our side, still, and could probably go around again at least next year as well

 

[jess_1804]

On track to play game 250 next week. Unbelievable to think he'd get there a couple of years ago!

 

[Twinkletoes]

On track to play game 250 next week. Unbelievable to think he'd get there a couple of years ago!

The Bulldogs V North on a North player's milestone game curse continues for them. Bewdiful!

 

[jess_1804]

The Bulldogs V North on a North player's milestone game curse continues for them. Bewdiful!

Going to be so much sweeter with Higgo playing game 150 too!

 

[Donkey Chop]

Hate to say it but I think he's just about cooked. Is it just me or does he seem to get caught out of position a lot and is very slow to recover? Reckon he's battling lately

 

[tazaa]

Hate to say it but I think he's just about cooked. Is it just me or does he seem to get caught out of position a lot and is very slow to recover? Reckon he's battling lately

Maybe hes been asked to protect the fifty whilst Atley and Wright provide more dash? Not sure

 

[ThePezDispenser]

Definitely made up for what I thought was a poor first half.

He may well be coming to the end, though.

 

[Ry009]

One of the few that was putting in early when the defensive pressure was non existent in the first qtr and half IMO.

 

[garfmann]

I thought his first half defensive efforts were poor, but after that poor effort on the wing in the 3rd 1/4, he turned things around dramatically. He's still an important player and we are a much better defensive unit when him and Scotty are firing.

 

[Harris 10]

250 games coming up for Spud.

Whatever you think of him in the past or now this guy has been one of the very best contributors to our club over a long period of time.

Congrats Spud.

 

[Mr Reliable]

I thought he was pretty bloody good yesterday.

Brute strength and courage got us a valuable goal in the third quarter via Higgins and Nahas (when BB was knocked out of the way "legally" in a marking contest) and some timely spoiling.

 

[ArjenTheGreat]

I thought he was pretty bloody good yesterday.

Brute strength and courage got us a valuable goal in the third quarter via Higgins and Nahas (when BB was knocked out of the way "legally" in a marking contest) and some timely spoiling.

That was crucial....
Love spud, without him, our backline looks so soft.

 

[Mr Reliable]

That was crucial....
Love spud, without him, our backline looks so soft.

He also showed admirable restraint in the last quarter when he pulled up from putting Walters into the 3rd row of the second level. I thought I was about to witness a 4 weeker and was so relieved when he stopped.

 

[jess_1804]

Typical Spud. Should be use as the photo on the banner this week!

 

[TooUglyForFugly]

That can be the new "make a caption" photo.

 

[Bren]

Typical Spud. Should be use as the photo on the banner this week!

Sam Wright's thoughts "Not another idiot trying to take on Spud"

 

[kangaspurs]

His last 24 months have just about been career best stuff. I wouldn't be at all disappointed if he followed Boomer and Drew in signing a one-year extension. He's still an important contributor in our backline.

 

[Donkey Chop]

Ok I get it. I went too early. I take it all back. Never said that he was no good, just that (like with any player that plays the game the right way) Father Time is catching up with him and I think it's his last year.

I didn't realize it was his 250th this week so that just makes me feel like a s**t bloke.

Ajen is wright though, without him our backline lacks balls. I love ya Spud. Just think it's his last year

 

[Donkey Chop]

Typical Spud. Should be use as the photo on the banner this week!

Scene from dancing with the stars? With spuds thigh passenger trying to steal the show

 

[Hojuman]

True North Melbourne man is our " Spud ".
Nothing flash, hard at it, gives his all. For a bloke running around at Box Hill that nobody wanted has been a great servant. Proud wearer of the no. " 11 " jumper too.

I'm sure if we win Sat.arvo even the coach will want to chair him off.

Well done mate ! 250 games a fantastic achievement.

 

[Roos Addick]

Who would of thought a few years ago he would play 250? Horribly out of form, looked slow and over weight then only got his chance again through injury to others.

Since then he has been nothing short of wonderful. Will always have those brain farts at times but what a magnificent servant of our club.

Love ta Spud! Gratz!

 

[the big lebowski]

Should get another year. They key is having a good pre season so if he has nay niggles, best to have a delayed start and hopefully only play 15 games for the year to keep him fresh.