Spud Returns | Academy coach

[giantroo]

Welcome back, Spud.

Michael Firrito's talent time begins

After three years away from football and his beloved North Melbourne, Michael Firrito is on the way back.

m.nmfc.com.au

 

[giantroo]

After three years away from football and his beloved North Melbourne, Michael Firrito is on the way back.

The champion former defender leapt at the opportunity to get back involved, taking the role as Academy Coach.

“It’s really exciting to come back to the North environment that I’ve always loved and have been a part of for so long,” Firrito told North Media.

Following his retirement from the game in 2016, “Spud” as he’s affectionately known due to his family’s potato farming business, was working with Strategic Property, but has been eyeing a return to Arden St for some time.

“I had discussions about coming back last year, but the timing wasn’t quite right and I probably wasn’t sure there was the right role for me at the time,” he explained.

“Now with some changes and Rhyce (Shaw) coming in and a new coaching department, this position has opened up and I jumped at it.

“I am so passionate about North Melbourne and I want to help the club grow and succeed, so whatever I can do to help achieve that, I’ll do.”

Firrito will be the Roos’ new face of the Next Generation Academy and will also oversee the Father Son Academy.

“It’s going to be amazing to be involved with both boys and girls from an early age, and help them develop and adapt so they can potentially enter the system,” Firrito said.

“My aim will be to help fast-track them and make them as comfortable as possible so they can adapt and play senior footy.”

While developing young players is one benefit, Firrito himself expects to grow over the journey too.

“It will be a good role for my development also as it’s multi-faceted,” he said.

“There’s a bit of coaching, recruiting and football administration throughout Tasmania, Wyndham and inner-city Melbourne, so I’ll be learning a lot and seeing where it takes me.”

Firrito says he’ll be bringing a personal touch to the role with “people” and “relationships” at the forefront of his coaching philosophy.

“I think it’s critical to have lots of one-on-one teaching and development, and a lot of face time with these kids to show that the club cares about them and their futures,” he outlined.

“If I can help the club and the kids in those regions come through, then there’s a lot of upside for all involved. There are a lot of people that make an academy work, and it’s something I’m keen to really sink my teeth into and can’t wait to get started.”

The 275-game champion is also passionate about AFLW and has seen women’s football explode, first-hand.

“I’ve been playing local footy in Gembrook and we had a women’s team. It’s grown so much – it’s going gangbusters,” he said.

“The women’s game in general has taken the world by storm and there is so much untapped talent out there.

“It will be great to work with the young girls in our NGA and I hope I can have an impact on the future of the game and the talent pool available to us through that pathway.”

Firrito will begin in early November.

 

[Event Horizon]

After reading the article, I still don't really get what the hell is an Academy coach

 

[Devington]

Excellent. He was always a great clubman, and having someone that is both fun to be around and passionate about the club would be good traits to have for that role seeing as in many ways you're trying to convince these kids to come to North on top of developing their passion for the game and their talents. This also gets him into the coaching system, and you never know where that might lead.

Nice to also have someone, however tangential, in the coaching ranks that would be hungry for the club to achieve success.

 

[blackshadow]

Welcome home spud.

The academy kids are sure to get a good dose of shinboner.

 

[scooby1279]

“I had discussions about coming back last year, but the timing wasn’t quite right and I probably wasn’t sure there was the right role for me at the time,” he explained.

So basically he didn't like Brad? haha

 

[giantroo]

After reading the article, I still don't really get what the hell is an Academy coach

He'll be coaching our NGA squad.

I know a relative of mine coached our boys this year against Geelong.

The next generation of stars

A 14-year-old boy wearing Jed Anderson’s number three jumper stepped out onto the lush footy field.

m.nmfc.com.au

 

[gokangas]

Love Spud - welcome back.

 

[roos_fanatic08]

Part time role?

Stoked to have ya back Spud. Welcome home!

 

[shintemaster]

He's been around as well (saw him at either the last game or the 150th game from memory). Pretty easy bloke to like from the outside looking in.

 

[Event Horizon]

He'll be coaching our NGA squad.

I know a relative of mine coached our boys this year against Geelong.

The next generation of stars

A 14-year-old boy wearing Jed Anderson’s number three jumper stepped out onto the lush footy field.

m.nmfc.com.au

Our NGA academy is what? Aboriginal kids from Tassie?

 

[giantroo]

Our NGA academy is what? Aboriginal kids from Tassie?

Indigenous and multicultural kids from all our academy zones. Wyndham and Tassie.

 

[Sopwiths North]

Such fantastic news! Welcome back Spud! Perfect mentor for our young 'uns. Hope he appropriately puts them all through the Spudtrometer.

 

[muttley45]

Welcome home Spud, always a great role model, this position sounds like it will suit him nicely.

 

[Kimbo]

So basically he didn't like Brad? haha

Ridiculous conclusion to come to.

 

[HTPunter]

As long as he doesn't teach players to wait with ball in hand deep in the back pocket for 15 seconds before predictably going long to a pack down the line, should be a good appointment.

 

[shinboner magic]

Can’t have enough shinboners at the club.
Great clubman

 

[RooBoyz24]

Good to see the club is getting support for our young players.Welcome home Spud

 

[Snake_Baker]

The 275-game champion is also passionate about AFLW and has seen women’s football explode, first-hand.

“I’ve been playing local footy in Gembrook and we had a women’s team. It’s grown so much – it’s going gangbusters,” he said.

“The women’s game in general has taken the world by storm and there is so much untapped talent out there.

“It will be great to work with the young girls in our NGA and I hope I can have an impact on the future of the game and the talent pool available to us through that pathway.”

More contrived exposure.

 

[The Nostradamus]

Of priorities of positions to look for right now in the footy department this is the one we decide to announce fmd

 

[ferball]

Of priorities of positions to look for right now in the footy department this is the one we decide to announce fmd

Damo just drop it.

 

[goalieboy82]

Welcome back, Spud.

Michael Firrito's talent time begins

After three years away from football and his beloved North Melbourne, Michael Firrito is on the way back.

m.nmfc.com.au

 

[The Dingrel]

So basically he didn't like Brad? haha

He is good mates with Brawlings!

 

[The Warlord]

More contrived exposure.

Oh wow mate, come on.

What's more likely - Spud Firrito has been pushed into saying this, lying to the cameras.

Or Spud actually believes it, and is involved in it, and really keen on it, like Taylor Garner's involved with the AFLW team, like Hrovat was, like Ben Brown is, like Luke McDonald.

I get you don't like it, its not your thing, fair enough.

But pretending other people don't even when they say they do?

 

[ferball]

Oh wow mate, come on.

What's more likely - Spud Firrito has been pushed into saying this, lying to the cameras.

Or Spud actually believes it, and is involved in it, and really keen on it, like Taylor Garner's involved with the AFLW team, like Hrovat was, like Ben Brown is, like Luke McDonald.

I get you don't like it, its not your thing, fair enough.

But pretending other people don't even when they say they do?

What the Thinker Thinks the Prover Proves.