With age and experience comes responsibility and while his older teammate Daniel Pratt is more vocal, Firrito believes his actions speak louder than words.
"I try to lead by example in the way I go about things; the way I train, the way I play and the way I am around the boys," he told kangaroos.com.au.
"We're a pretty young list and I'm one of the older and more experienced players now so I really want to help the younger guys come through and fulfil their potential."
Firrito says a busy training schedule over the past fortnight has unveiled the true character of some of North Melbourne's up-and-comers.
"Leigh Adams is one that has really stood up on this camp. He's been great in the way he's gone about things and he's certainly one of the favourites amongst the boys.
"Jamie Macmillan has been very impressive as well. He's come back from the break and he's in terrific shape. He's running well and he's got a really good head on his shoulders."
The key-defender also praised Ben Cunnington with the 19 year-old showing exactly why he was held in such high regard at the 2009 National Draft.
"One of the biggest areas he needed to improve on was his motor and he's come back and done that. He's really reaping the benefits of training at high-altitude."
Enjoying one of the most consistent seasons of his career in 2010, Firrito finished fourth in the best and fairest as part of a solid defensive unit.
"It was good to be able to play some consistent footy. I really enjoyed my year and it was enjoyable playing under Brad Scott."
The name 'Firrito' has become a mainstay at the selection table in recent years; he's played 70 consecutive senior games but there's no room for complacency.
"You've got to keep improving in this game, or you get left behind," Firrito added.
"I think coming up here has given me an edge. It will provide an extra fitness-base behind me and hopefully it will pay dividends."
Also driving his performance is the growing depth of North Melbourne's list with the battle for spots to become more intense.
"It's an absolute credit to Bryce Lewis and his team that they've recruited guys that are coming in and pushing for selection straight away. It's certainly going to be pretty competitive."
After seven seasons training and preparing in the old, run-down Arden Street building, Firrito is amazed at the progression the club has made in recent years, culminating with the high-performance camp in Park City.
"It's unbelievable from when I first started to where we are now. The club is ultra-professional and we've certainly got everything at our fingertips to be the best football team and best players we can be.
"Coming here, we've certainly got an edge both physically and mentally. I'd like to think we've got a lot of improvement left in us.
"I think we can go pretty deep into the finals series."
