Michael Firrito says his last two years at North Melbourne have been among his most enjoyable.

The number 11 said the arrival of his son in 2013, Lenny, had not only been a welcome addition in his home life, but also a boost to his on field performance.

“I’ve played really good footy since Lenny came on the scene,” Firrito told The Herald Sun’s Greg Buckle.

“Maybe we should have had him earlier.”

And that form could get another boost, with Firrito and his wife, Bonnie, are expecting a second child, which is due around the same time as this year’s Grand Final.

But when asked the age old question on whether he’d miss a potential Grand Final appearance for the birth of his child, Firrito said he had already made a tough decision.

“I’ll be at the Grand Final,” he said.

“I’ve already told Bon that I’ll be there. I’ve been waiting 14 years for this.”

The man affectionately known as ‘Spud’ draws level with James McDonald on 264 games this weekend, the fourth-highest games tally for a rookie-listed player.

“In terms of rookie list players, I think Dean Cox (290), Stephen Milne (275) and Matty Boyd (267) are up there,” he said.

“To be up with those sorts of names is a bit flattering because I see them as stars.

“But to have longevity in the game and to be in the position we are is exciting.”

Shinboner of the Century Glenn Archer, who made the number 11 among the biggest at the club, said he was proud to be able to hand the number to Firrito.

“I passed it on to ‘Spud’ because I love the way he plays,” Archer also told The Herald Sun.

“He was my choice, on and off the field. He’s a quality bloke.”

And that respect flows both ways.

“I remember at the time thinking if I ever duck my head or back out of a contest, the supporters will react,” Firrito said of the number 11.

“I’ll always see it as Glenn Archer’s number.”

Teammate Drew Petrie said Firrito was the ultimate clubman, and has always been passionate about life as a North Melbourne player.

“He didn’t get it easy,” Petrie said.

“He had to train at about four clubs before he got his chance at North. You see that passion and that competitiveness come out with the odd free kick or 50m penalty he has given away.”