New Gold Coast Suns recruit Michael Rischitelli capped off a great year by winning the Brisbane Lions Best & Fairest award last night.
Rischitelli – who parted company with the Lions earlier this week – joins elite company at the Lions alongside previous winners Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Michael Voss, Nigel Lappin, Jason Akermanis, Justin Leppitsch, Chris Scott and Matthew Clarke.
It was Rischitelli’s first appearance on the Lions’ Club Champion podium, eclipsing his previous best finish of 6th from back in 2008.
The 24 year-old midfielder polled 37.5 votes to edge out Vice-Captain Simon Black (34.5 votes) who finished Runner-Up for the third consecutive season.
Rischitelli proved a worthy winner following a career-best season.
He was one of only six players to feature in every Lions senior match in 2010 and led the Club in a range of key statistical categories including total kicks, handballs, marks and contested possessions. He also averaged a career-high 24.1 disposals per game.
