North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito is regarded as the heart and soul of the club, but the 29-year-old tough guy’s days as an AFL player could be numbered.
Coach Brad Scott said on Thursday the out-of-contract backman is expected to return from injury to play VFL this weekend and possibly push for senior selection against Essendon on August 17.
As for next year, well that’s yet to be decided.
But given Firrito was dropped after North’s round-16 loss to Brisbane, which has been followed by a one-point defeat against Carlton and wins over Melbourne and Geelong, the barrel-chested boy from Gembrook may find his coach putting some hard facts to him across the table at season’s end.
Firrito is the equal third-longest-serving current player at Arden Street alongside Daniel Wells (208), trailing Brent Harvey (358) and Drew Petrie (240).
However 10th-placed North’s young list is starting to show signs of improvement, including last week’s upset win over the third-placed Cats.
“Because Michael Firrito is the heart and soul of this football club, and he personifies the way we play and the way we go about things, it’s always going to be an incredibly tough decision when the time comes that he makes the call,” Scott told reporters.
“We’ll sit down and discuss their form, their fitness, how they think they’re travelling, their motivation to play on and I think we’ll come to a mutual decision.”
Scott says the player has to have a role in the decision.
“When you’re a player like Michael Firrito that’s played well over 200 games, he’s earned that right,” Scott said.
“And I still see him in our plans. He’s been overcoming injury the last couple of weeks, but I hope he’ll play this week in the VFL and push his claims for senior selection (next) week.”
Scott is also facing a decision on ex-skipper Harvey at season’s end and few would be surprised if the 35-year-old was offered a new one-year deal, especially after his game-high tally of 37 disposals against Geelong.
“He’s a marvel, Boomer. He comes in most weeks and says ‘what are you thinking?’,” Scott said.
“We’re in no rush. But you couldn’t argue against him at the moment.”
