Star Gold Coast SUNS midfielder Michael Rischitelli believes the club won’t die wondering when it takes to the field for it’s first official AFL fixture in the NAB Cup against the Sydney Swans and GWS at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday night.
“We’re not going down there to lose,” he said.
The club gets its first taste of football at the highest level at 8.20pm when it takes on the Swans in the second leg of a Round One NAB Cup triple-header.
“It’s pretty important that we go out and play to win and see what we can do under the pressure of the AFL,” Rischitelli said.
“The game’s are there to be won. It’s going to be tough. It’s always tough. But it’ll be interesting to see how everyone goes.”
He hinted that the hit out would be a big test of his young team’s discipline.
“It’s important that we see what we can do in relation to our in-house indicators to make sure we’re doing what the coach needs and wants.”
The highly regarded Rischitelli has backed up a stunning 2010 with an outstanding 2011 pre-season. He said he was always looking at ways to sharpen elements of his game.
“It’s all about moving forward. I think you can always look to improve.
It’s really a case of doing whatever the coaching staff asks of you.”
Being surrounded by some of the game’s best and most experienced names was working wonders, he said.
“Gary [Ablett]’s just a great player. You learn a lot about him each session you go out and complete. Same with Bocky and Browny. You just keep learning off those kinds of blokes.”
Rischitelli said he wasn’t buying into any debate surrounding the addition of an undersized and inexperienced GWS outfit to the NAB Cup format. He’d be disappointed if anyone at the GC SUNS took their opposition for granted, he said.
“You wouldn’t want to take any club lightly. It’s just a matter of getting out there and doing what you can do well. I don’t really worry about any other teams. I’m more interested in what our group can do.”
Saturday night’s clash will be broadcast live on FoxSports from 7.15pm.
