Michael Firrito says he’s looking forward to renewing acquaintances with James Podsiadly, should the pair match up on Sunday.
When North played Adelaide in Round 22 of last year, Firrito and Podsiadly fought out an intriguing battle late in the game. A free kick against the Crows' forward proved to be one of the more decisive moments in the match.
After a strong mark in a scoring position, Podsiadly responded to contact from Firrito with a push to the stomach. With the game still very much in the balance, the decision was reversed and the Roos went on to win by seven points.
“I got probably a lucky free kick late in the game where he outmarked me, so I was probably lucky I did get it,” Firrito recalled in an interview with NMFC.com.au.
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It remains to be seen whether the veterans will meet again on Sunday, but Podsiadly is just one of several dangerous Crows’ talls.
“He’s (Podsiadly) a really strong boy, so I’m going to have to be at my best,” Firrito said.
“He’s been spending some time down back as well, but (I’m) preparing for him to spend patches forward.
“They’ve got a lot of big boys up there; (Josh) Jenkins and (Taylor) Walker and (Tom) Lynch as well, who has been a good player for them. They’ve also got the flexibility of Podsiadly floating down (back), so we’re (the defenders) going to have to be at our best.”
While Lachlan Hansen is still considered touch and go to play, Firrito said his availability added to the squad’s overall depth.
“Just the way he reads the play to pick off the footy and intercept mark and those sorts of things… he releases the pressure when he plays back there.
“We’re looking forward to getting him back out there. He’s been itching to play the last few weeks, so we can’t wait until he’s back.”
The 31-year-old said the emergence of Robbie Tarrant and Joel Tippett provided North with options in the back half.
“They’ve been really good, both of them through the pre-season. I’m not too sure which way the selectors will go,” Firrito added.
“It’s probably a tough position for the selectors to be in, but there’s plenty of depth there. Perhaps they both play, perhaps one of them plays and Lachie plays, I’m not too sure.”
Despite the Crows finishing outside of the top eight in 2014, Firrito said they can’t be underestimated.
“I’ve watched a fair bit of vision and they were good (in the NAB Challenge).
“They’re going to be a really good side – I think they’ll be amongst the better teams this year and especially over there in Adelaide they play really good footy.”
On a personal note, Firrito said he couldn’t wait to get into the home and away season.
“I’ve been able to get through the bulk of the work and am feeling fresh and fit and healthy like everyone this time of year, and looking forward to what lays ahead,” he said.
“We haven’t won a round one game for a few years, so (I’m) pretty excited.
“I think the boys are all in really good shape, but so are 17 other sides, so we’ll see how we go and hopefully start this year on a winning note.”
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