It has been a long journey to 200 games for Michael Rischitelli.
After debuting for the Brisbane Lions in 2004, Rischitelli joined the Gold Coast SUNS for the club’s inaugural season in 2011 and has been an integral part of the red and gold tapestry ever since.
Reflecting on the milestone, Rischitelli admitted he never thought he’d reach the magical 200 mark but is eager to lead his team out against Essendon on Easter Saturday.
“Looking back it now, probably not,” Rischitelli told SUNS TV.
“It’s obviously been a long time, pretty excited to run out. It’s been a long pre-season and hopefully we get a win.”
During his time at Metricon Stadium, the 30-year-old has experienced both the highs and the lows that come with life as an AFL footballer.
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The first memory that springs out for Rischitelli is the club’s first win against Port Adelaide in round five of the 2011 season, but he is equally as proud of the development of the playing list at the SUNS, many of whom arrived at Carrara as 17 or 18 year olds.
“Fondest memories obviously is our first win,” he said.
“Also the guys that have started from the start and seeing them now playing and doing really well so bit of a mixture between winning and seeing the group grow.”
2015 was a challenging year for everyone at the Gold Coast SUNS, but Rischitelli proved a key leadership figure when his club desperately needed him to stand up.
It was a sharp learning curve for the veteran, but it’s evident the club has now emerged on the other side and is in a far better place.
“Every year I think you’re learning. You never stop learning,” he said.
“Last year was probably a bit of a learning curve not only for me, but for everyone. I think it’s definitely led us into a better direction for us going forward.”
With his career at the top level entering its twilight, Rischitelli has one more important item to tick off his checklist.
He wants to taste September success in a Gold Coast SUNS guernsey.
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Not just for himself, but for the club and the greater Gold Coast community.
“It’s what you want to play for. Been in the system for a while and haven’t really played the finals and all the hype and all that sort of stuff,” Rischitelli said.
“I think we’re on the right path. There’s a lot of hard work that’s been done this year and not only this year but from the start so hopefully we can taste a finals berth.
“It’d be good for the club, for Gold Coast and the community so hopefully we can get that done.”
