Defender Michael Firrito is confident he can maintain his rich vein of form and believes North’s backline will be bolstered on a number of fronts in 2015.

After appearing headed for retirement in late 2013, the 31-year-old was offered a one-year contract – just hours after his wife gave birth to their first child, Lenny – and has seized the opportunity with both hands.

Firrito said it was pleasing to regain his touch and fitness after battling injury niggles.

“I desperately wanted to play but it was always a question of my body, and how my knee and quad would respond,” Firrito told NMFC.com.au on Friday.

“I’m able to train and continue all my knee stuff, which is going along really well, so it was pretty satisfying from where I was to how I fought back.”

The number 11 will take renewed confidence into his 13th year at Arden Street after his strong return to form, which has coincided with the Roos’ recent on-field success.

“Footy’s a funny game, I probably didn’t think I’d be in the position that I am but all the work that I did repaid and I was able to have a good season,” he said.

“Now that I’ve got a taste of it (playing finals), you want a little bit more.

“There’s a bit more self-belief amongst the group and a greater expectation of each other, so we look forward to playing in those big games and in front of big crowds.”

Adding to the veteran’s desire to play on is the prospect of lining up alongside defenders Nathan Grima and Lachie Hansen, who both endured injury-marred seasons.

“They’ll bring a heap of experience and they’re both definitely in our best 22, so we’ll love them back out on the park as soon as we can,” he said.

“They play such an important role and they make others around them better as well.”

Firrito spoke just as highly of fellow defender Joel Tippett, who also battled an injury-plagued year.

“He’s a monster now and even the experience he got last year, he went really well,” he said.

“He’s a lot bigger and stronger this year so he’s going to be great for us.”

Firrito said the additions of youngsters Sam Durdin (pick No. 16 in last year’s draft), Daniel Nielson (pick No. 25) and Ed Vickers-Willis (pick No. 36) would further support the backline down the track.

“Durdin looks like he’s going to be a 10-year player for us so that’s pretty exciting,” he said.

“You love the way Nielson goes about it because he’s so determined and competitive, and he’s the sort of bloke you want to play alongside.

“And Vickers-Willis as well, he can run and I think he’ll be a good rebounding half-back.”