Michael Firrito is confident Luke McDonald can continue a “rich tradition” wearing North’s famous number 11 jumper.

The retiring veteran played 193 games in the jumper, following in the footsteps of Shinboner of the Century, Glenn Archer.

Now, he believes McDonald is the perfect candidate to do the guernsey proud.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to wear it really,” Firrito told NMFC.com.au.

“I’ll be proud and so will ‘Arch’ to watch him (McDonald). The way he plays and the way he goes about his footy … he’s a real competitor, he hates to be beaten.

“He gives his best, he gives his all. That’s why I’ve loved playing with him and his teammates love playing with him too.”

PRESS PLAY above to watch Firrito talking to McDonald about the jumper | YouTube

McDonald said he was honoured to carry on a great tradition, officially handed the number 11 for 2017 and beyond.

“Glenn Archer and Michael Firrito, two of the greatest Shinboners ever have worn it,” McDonald said.

“I can’t wait to wear it on the field and feel like I’ve got those guys on my back.”

The number coming with some added responsibility for the 21-year-old.

“There is that added pressure. I can never shirk a contest ever again,” McDonald joked.

“I’ve grown up watching guys like Glenn Archer play; he was one of my favourite players when I grew up. Then I came here and played alongside Spud and he was such a good mentor to me.

“I can’t wait to put it on and have him watch me. We are obviously very close and I’m close to his family as well, so I’m just rapt and really excited to wear it.”

McDonald will become the 28th player to represent North in the number 11.

Archer (311 games) and Firrito (193) hold the record for the most games played in the number, with Jim Malone having lined up on 102 occasions between 1945-1952.

“No doubt he’ll (McDonald) do a great job. I’m really excited to watch him flourish and hopefully have a career filled with a couple of premierships and a lot of good footy,” Firrito added.

NMFC.com.au will announce the remaining jumper numbers in the coming weeks.