He’d played every game up until Round 16, then Michael Firrito found himself in unfamiliar territory; out of North’s best 22.  Down on form and fitness, the powerful defender was sent back to the VFL with Werribee to re-boot and regain some confidence.  

His hard work and outstanding team-first attitude has finally paid off with selection in the Roos’ side for the upcoming clash with the Hawks.

The 29-year-old will play his 209th game on Saturday and will replace Nathan Grima in the team who is out with a foot injury.

Jack Ziebell also makes his return after spending last week on the sidelines with an ankle concern.  Despite his best attempts to convince club medical staff he was fit to play against the Bombers, the North Melbourne vice-captain was unsuccessful and had to watch on from the stands as his team-mates claimed a 45-point victory.  

Will Sierakowski has been omitted but will occupy a spot on the emergency list along with back-up ruckman Dan Currie and exciting youngster Taylor Garner.

The team
B: Lachlan Hansen, Luke Delaney, Aaron Mullett
HB: Sam Wright, Michael Firrito, Shaun Atley
C: Ryan Bastinac, Daniel Wells, Sam Gibson
HF: Jamie Macmillan, Robbie Tarrant, Brent Harvey
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Aaron Black
Fol: Todd Goldstein, Ben Cunnington, Jack Ziebell
Int: Levi Greenwood, Ben Jacobs, Brad McKenzie, Leigh Adams
Emer: Daniel Currie, Taylor Garner, Will Sierakowski

In: Michael Firrito, Jack Ziebell
Out: Nathan Grima (foot), Will Sierakowski (omitted)