Michael Firrito

D.O.B:    
27 November 1983
Club:    
Kangaroos
Honours:  
2003 Rookie Elevation
2003 AFL Debut
2004 AFL Rising Star Nominee
2008 International Rules Series

Michael Firrito is further proof of the AFL’s rookie list initiative after being elevated to the Kangaroos list in 2003. Originally from Gembrook he was drafted from the Box Hill Hawks and has developed into an essential shut-down player for the Kangaroos.

Michael was nominated for the AFL’s Rising Star award in round 2 of 2004 and managed 16 games in an impressive season. A determined and tough onballer he has managed to shut down some of the AFL’s best players in a number of tagging roles.

In recent years Michael has taken on a more key defensive role playing on some of the opposition’s key forwards. He has worked hard to establish himself as an AFL player and relishes the opportunity to play on the game’s elite. 2007 saw Michael develop into a key defender for the Kangaroos, finishing eighth in the Best & Fairest. Often playing on elite forwards the club was so impressed with Firrito’s performances that they offered him the number 11 guernsey, made famous by Shinboner of the Century, Glenn Archer.

The famous jumper helped Firrito to another strong season in 2008 in which he was selected to represent Australia during the International Rules Series against Ireland.

In 2009, former coach Dean Laidley gave Firrito more opportunities through the midfield. He played every match and averaged 17 possessions a game, also lifting his defensive work rate with 101 tackles for the season.

Michael finished eighth in the Kangaroos Best & Fairest Award in 2009, which is a testament to his work rate and willingness to put his body on the line, whatever the physical cost.