BUSINESS AS USUAL FOR SUNS’ NEW ROOKIE
GOLD Coast Suns veteran Michael Rischitelli is adamant his appointment to the Suns rookie list won’t change anything.
Rischitelli, 32, will be entering his 16th season in the AFL and eighth with the Suns in 2019.
Taking the field as the most experienced rookie hasn’t fazed Rischitelli, who said it’s business as usual.
The former Brisbane Lion is expected to play halfback next season but would not be drawn on whether it would be his last season in the AFL.
“I’ll just get through the next bit and get back to you,” he said. “I’m No.2 rookie so that’s still really good.”
As a father himself, Rischitelli was part of announcing a partnership between the Suns and Rizeup Australia for a Christmas appeal yesterday.
“It’s a very special thing we’re privileged to do as a footy club,” he said. “It’s a great thing that we can help out. As a father of two the most important thing at this time of year is the giving.”
Rizeup founder Nicolle Edwards said the initiative was to provide Christmas gifts for families affected by domestic and family violence.
“Every child deserves the thrill and happiness of opening a gift on Christmas morning,” she said. “We’d love to see people gift new toys, clothes, and books – something small can mean a lot for some of Australia’s most vulnerable families.”
Each of the Suns players had already wrapped a gift to put under the tree and Edwards is thrilled.
Suns consumer and community general manager Jane McGough said the Suns were committed to supporting the local community and the AFL stars were glad they could play a part in the Rizeup Australia Christmas appeal.