Heading into his 15^th AFL season, Michael Rischitelli looks to have found a new home at half-back.

After spending the majority of his playing career primarily as a midfielder, the veteran has been moved into defence by senior coach Stuart Dew.

It may have only been in place for a short time, but Rischitelli has embraced his change of role.

“It’s been a recent change, on the back of the first pre-season game,” Rischitelli told SUNS TV. 

“Stuey (Stuart Dew) decided to get me back and I’m happy to play anywhere on the ground and I’m really enjoying the role.”

With Rischitelli joining the likes of captain Steven May and fellow veteran Jarrod Harbow in defence, that part of the ground is stacked with leadership and experience.

Those three players combine for a total of 526 games between them and provide plenty of guidance and composure for their less experienced teammates to look towards. 

“Having leaders everywhere on the ground is a bonus, but down back is probably where we’ve got a little bit of experience at the moment.”

The 32-year-old spoke of the importance of Saturday’s victory against North Melbourne, particularly after a gruelling pre-season.

With the Kangaroos pushing hard for victory in the third term, Rischitelli is proud of how the players and coaches rallied together to ensure they could get the win.

“It was a bit of a mix, both players and the coaches, when we came in a three-quarter time, we knew what was there to win and the boys dug deep in the last quarter.

“To get that first win, it’s given us a good stepping stone for the season.”