NORTH Melbourne defender Michael Firrito has used his side’s impressive Friday night win over Carlton to mount a case for more prime time fixtures next season.

The Kangaroos, who pioneered Friday night footy and this week celebrated 25 years of what has become a popular and profitable timeslot, kicked off round 12 with their only Friday night fixture of the season.

Firrito praised the club for promoting the event as 43,732 fans packed out Etihad Stadium and he was hopeful the club would be on the big stage more next season.

“We put our best foot forward, so hopefully in the meeting during the week Andrew Demetriou ticks us off for perhaps two or three [Friday night games],” Firrito told BigPond Sports Weekend on Saturday. 

“It would be fantastic for our supporter base and membership. To drive those things when you’re in prime time is fantastic for the footy club.”

The crowd was the second biggest of North Melbourne’s season, behind its round seven clash with Collingwood, and Firrito said the 25-year celebrations were a success.

“We had our past players there, which was great, [and] the club got on the front foot and really promoted the match,” he said.

“With the Melbourne weather - it was pretty cold and wet outside - and the long weekend, there was always a chance that the crowd wouldn’t show up.

“[But] the Kangas fans came out in their droves and they seemed pretty loud. Hopefully they can get along to more.”

For the second straight week North made a fast start, kicking four goals to one against the fancied Blues.

Brad Scott’s men have outscored their opponents 11.10 to 3.6 in first terms across the last two games and Firrito said the side had made a conscious effort to improve its starts. 

“You never know before the game whether we’re on or not, but the last two weeks we’ve come out of the blocks hard and really whacked the opposition between the eyes before they know what’s happening,” he said.

“It’s something we addressed a couple of weeks ago with training - we thought we weren’t getting off to the best of starts - and the last fortnight’s been fantastic.”

The Roos held off two challenges from the Blues, with the margin shrinking to just eight points in a tight third term, and Firrito said the young side had shown composure to run out 29-point winners.

“To steady and do that shows maturity perhaps above our years, which is a great sign,” he said.

“They certainly came at us, and the week before we had a similar situation with Brisbane.”