The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to announce the re-signing of Michael Rischitelli and Jesse Lonergan.
Rischitelli, 29, has played 197 AFL games; including 19 in 2015, a year which has seen him fulfil the on-field role of acting captain for the majority of the year in Gary Ablett’s absence.
Crowned the GC SUNS most professional player at last year’s Club Champion awards night, Rischitelli is one of the most respected players at the club.
Rischitelli said he was rapt to continue his career on the Gold Coast.
“I’m really pleased to extend my contract, especially as the future direction of the club has never been clearer.
“2015 has been a tough year, but I really believe we have learnt more as a group in 2015 as we ever have before.
“It’s about living and breathing the brand, our values and standards, if we can do that anything is possible. The players are up for it and I know our supporters are as well,” Rischitelli said.
Jesse Lonergan, 20, has been one of the highlights for the GC SUNS in 2015.
Recruited with the first selection, No. 13 overall at the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, Lonergan has put a torrid run of injures behind him in 2015 which has seen him play 16 of his 29 AFL games.
The ever improving Tasmanian has demonstrated he has plenty to offer the SUNS in 2016 and beyond.
“I’m rapt to have re-signed, the club has been really good to me and I plan to repay them in the future.
“I definitely feel as though 2016 will be a defining year for our club. We really want to build something pretty special and after a challenging year we are all pretty excited about the direction we are heading,” Lonergan said.
General Manager – Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft credited the pair's management group, Stride Sports, when confirming the news.
“We are thrilled Michael & Jesse have recommitted to the Gold Coast SUNS.
“Both players made tremendous inroads in 2015; Jesse is starting to become the player we know he is capable of being, and Michael’s leadership has been so influential, on and off the field he has just been enormous,” Ashcroft said.
