The ultra-consistent former Lion was second to only Gary Ablett in disposals and tackles and was a deserved third placegetter in the best and fairest.
Rischitelli has missed just two games in the past five seasons and does all the little things any coach asks of a player providing great leadership to such a young side.
Michael Rischitelli joined the Gold Coast SUNS after a 111-game career with the Brisbane Lions, he was GC SUNS third uncontracted player signing.
Rischitelli hails from Melbourne where he was a standout junior player at club level for Keilor and starred with the Western Jets TAC Cup Under 18’s side.
Taken by the Lions at Pick 61 in the 2003 National Draft, he made his AFL debut in Round 17, 2004, a game in which he contributed two goals in his side’s massive 141-point drubbing of the Adelaide Crows.
After playing just three games for the Lions in 2005, Rischitelli eventually broke through for a regular senior place in 2006, a season that saw him play 18 games, earn a NAB Rising Star Nomination and win the club’s 2006 Most Improved Player Award.
Thereafter he became an integral part of the Lions’ midfield, his renowned toughness and A-grade work rate highlighted when he won the Lions’ Most Courageous Player and Most Effective Tackler Awards in 2008.
Player honours: Brisbane Lions best and fairest 2010; Gold Coast SUNS 3rd best and fairest 2011; NAB AFL Rising Star nominee 2006.
Brownlow Medal: 2011 votes 2; career votes 16.
Previous AFL club: Brisbane Lions (2002-10: 111 games, 47 goals).
Draft history: 2003 NAB AFL Draft 4th round selection (Brisbane Lions) No. 61 overall; 2010 uncontracted player selection (Gold Coast).
