NORTH Melbourne veteran Michael Firrito has signed a one-year deal to extend his stay at Aegis Park into a 12th season.
Firrito's playing future was in doubt when he was dropped after the club's 12-point loss to the Brisbane Lions in round 16.
But he worked hard to regain his spot, with injuries to key defenders Scott Thompson and Nathan Grima later in the year helping his cause.
He eventually returned in round 22 and faced challenges against Hawthorn's Lance Franklin and Collingwood's Travis Cloke in the final two games of the season.
"I was rapt to get another deal," Firrito told North Melbourne's website.
"It's going to be exciting times at the football club. I've been here for a long time but I want to be a part of the future.
"I still think I have something to add – I've probably got a few knockers out there that disagree but I’m certainly prepared to get back to working hard and seeing where the season takes us."
The 29-year-old says he is a certain starter when the Kangaroos begin their pre-season training camp in Utah in Novemeber.
"From day one of the Utah camp, I'll be ready to go and join in with the group," Firrito said.
"Last year, I'd had a big knee arthroscopy so I wasn't able to do anything with the main group before Christmas.
"You can cross train as much as you like but it's not the same."
