Rischitelli goes back to extend his career

MICHAEL Rischitelli believes he is lucky to still be involved in football.

So when the veteran midfielder, who has 224 AFL games to his name midway through his 15th season, was told by Suns coach Stuart Dew there was a chance for him to remain in Gold Coast’s best 22 by shifting into the backline, he jumped at it.

“We needed someone down back and I think it’s purely because of experience,” Rischitelli said.

“I’m not sure if there is a spot available for me in the midfield or forward but (Dew) was saying there is a spot for me down back.

“I’m pretty happy about it and to be playing.”

It’s a foreign position for the 32-year-old who has studied the tapes of his backline teammates to improve the defensive aspects of his game.

Rischitelli has been the heart and soul of the Suns since their early years and after helping shape the games of the club’s younger players, has taken a step back while they begin their own journey through the centre of the ground.

“I have never really played down back before,” he said.

“It’s a different role and I’m enjoying it. It’s good because you get to see the whole ground in front of you and you can set your teammates up down the field.”

Rischitelli considered retiring at the end of last year after working his way back from a serious knee injury to play the final four AFL games.

But he signed a one-year deal and while he is unsure if he will play on next year, the respected player said he was enjoying every minute of playing under Dew.

“I’m pretty lucky to be still involved in footy at the top level,” Rischitelli said.

“If you can still manage to get your body through, the coaches and players need you and the opportunity is still there I think you should take it and play for as long as you can.”