Background
Both his father, Kevin, as well as his uncle, Richard, had played league football for Hawthorn.
Both his father, Kevin, as well as his uncle, Richard, had played league football for Hawthorn.
Pirrie, an Old Xaverian, started his career in the Hawthorn reserves. He also had a grandfather, Richard senior, who played with Melbourne. Unlike his father, Pirrie never broke into the Hawthorn seniors and instead made his VFL debut with Richmond.
A defender, he appeared in the final ten games of the 1982 home and away season for Richmond, but wasn"t selected for the finals.
Having not played a single VFL game in 1983 and after playing the opening round of the 1984 season for Richmond, Pirrie was traded to Street Kilda, in return for Jeff Dunne. He was reported for misconduct during his final game for Richmond, in that he threw his mouthguard to hinder Footscray"s full forward Simon Beasley, who kicked 11 goals.
He was later found not guilty of the charge. He was only able to make seven appearances at his new club and in 1985 made his way to reigning premiers Essendon, where he played just once.
He had a brief stint with Portuguese Melbourne in 1987.