Michael Firrito

Michael Firrito
Personal information
Full name	Michael Firrito
Nickname(s)	Spud, The Mexican
Date of birth	(1983-11-27) 27 November 1983
Original team(s)	Box Hill Hawks (VFL)
Height / weight	189cm / 93kg
Position(s)	Defender
Club information
Current club	North Melbourne
Number	11
Career highlights
2003 AFL Rising Star nominee
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Michael "Spud" Firrito (born 27 November 1983) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He made his AFL debut in round 12 on the 13 June 2003. He played 2 games that year and the following year received a Rising Star nomination. Although primarily a defender, he has been used by the Kangaroos as a tagger in the past.

Firrito had a career best year in 2007. He was the main defender for the Roos, with his bulky yet small frame attracting the big forwards of the game. After Glenn Archer's retirement, Archer handed over his no. 11 guernsey to Firrito, who wore the number instead of the no. 24 he had worn since his debut in 2004. He has played over 200 AFL matches and all for North Melbourne Football Club.

International Rules Series

Michael Firrito was selected by Mick Malthouse for 2008 International Rules series for Australia against Ireland. In the first Test, Firrito played as full back and right corner back before replacing Nathan Bock as goalkeeper for the second test, when he made many good saves despite conceding 4 goals. Firrito was one of 5 North Melbourne players selected in the squad, along with Daniel Wells, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey and Matt Campbell.

External links

• Michael Firrito's profile on the official website of the North Melbourne Football Club
• Michael Firrito's playing statistics from AFL Tables