Veteran Gold Coast midfielder Michael Rischitelli is confident the steps the club has taken this year to improve its standards will set the SUNS up for sustained success in the future.
 
It has been a tumultuous season at Metricon Stadium, with a number of off-field controversies engulfing the club, as well as a never-before-seen injury toll that has dramatically impacted on-field performance. The combination of the two have tarnished 2015.
 
Amid the carnage, Gold Coast has taken some significant steps forward to establish a culture that is built from strong values and professional standards. Whilst the SUNS have missed their goal of playing in September, Rischitelli believes through the adversity, the club has grown this year.
 
“I think it will be in the long run. We talked about setting the foundations right and I think throughout what’s happened during the year, I think we’ve really set something that’s going to last a long time,” Rischitelli told the media on Tuesday.
 
“It’s been difficult. I suppose we’ve definitely had our challenges along the way. But in saying that, we’ve definitely learned a lot. I think we’ve definitely grown as a whole group – I think we’ve definitely done that.
 
“Obviously a few things have happened, so towards the back end of the year, we’ve really pushed hard with our values and what we want to strive for.
 
During a career that has spanned 12 seasons, the former Brisbane best and fairest winner has managed only two finals appearances. Two more than the majority of players on the SUNS list, but still only two in more than a decade in the game.
 
It’s a reality that burns inside Rischitelli as he is set for another year of watching September football from the comfort of his own couch. But one that serves as added motivation ahead of another long, arduous summer slog.
 
“It’s pretty disappointing. Like every AFL player, you do the work, you do the pre-season and it’s a long season. And the season’s finishing and all you get to do is watch,” Rischitelli said.
 
“It’s a bit difficult but you’ve just got to front up next year and really put the work in again. Hopefully the wheel will turn and we won’t be watching it, we’ll be playing in it.”