Firrito given rude awakening in goal

North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito, the man set to be handed the goalkeeping duties for Australia’s International Rules series with Ireland, says he is still keen for the role despite copping a rude awakening in last night’s practice match.

Firrito was under siege from the outset after he was put in goal for an Irish WA Gaelic Athletic Association team against the Australians in a scratch match at Subiaco Oval.

But the 24-year-old said he was enjoying the role in goal and was learning more about the caper as each day passed.

“To be honest I was thinking about taking the gloves off and saying ’sorry Mick (to coach Michael Malthouse)’,” Firrito joked when asked about the one-sided nature of the match.

“It was pretty full on early.

“I guess a full-strength Aussie side, the way they moved the ball and the way they ran it through the lines with David Rodan and little Matty Campbell was pretty promising.

“It was my first proper go.

“It was a little bit daunting early but certainly something you get used to. The more time you spend in front the better you get.

“I guess in a real match situation they probably wouldn’t attack the goals that much.

“But I was certainly thrown in the deep end and you either sink or swim, so I managed to knock a couple away but a few got past me, too.”

Although no official score was kept in the low-key scratch match, the Australians scored almost at will.

Firrito, who received some tutelage from Melbourne Victory goalkeeping coach Steve Mautone a few weeks ago, admitted he was no certainty to be given the role in goal against Ireland, with Adelaide’s Nathan Bock, Brisbane’s Jared Brennan and North Melbourne’s Drew Petrie other options.

Fremantle defender Roger Hayden said the team’s defence would make a concerted effort not to leave the goalkeeper fending for himself.

“They are going to be really skilful with the round ball so we’ve got to be conscious of not running forward and turning the ball over and then leaving our goalie by himself,” Hayden said.

“We’ve just got to watch what we do and run off and create at the right time.”

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