Experience of AFL veterans Michael Rischitelli and Michael Barlow could prolong their careers at Gold Coast Suns

THE relatively young age of the Gold Coast Suns list could be enough to prolong the careers of veterans Michael Rischitelli and Michael Barlow.

THE relatively young age of the Gold Coast Suns list could be enough to prolong the careers of veterans Michael Rischitelli and Michael Barlow.

Suns coach Stuart Dew said he was wary of keeping some experience at the club going into 2019 and any decision surrounding Rischitelli, 32, and Barlow, 30 would be made with the whole group in mind.

“They’re two that we’ll have discussions with,” Dew said.

“You’re just a bit wary of whether you change everyone. I think you’ve got to keep some (experienced) people around as well.

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“We don’t want to get too young. We’ve just got to weigh up the whole mix. They won’t be decisions in isolation. We’ve got to look at the whole squad and what we think we need.”

Rischitelli has played 20 games this season and found a home at halfback while Barlow has played just two, including the final game of the season where he collected a team-high 35 possessions in Gold Coast’s 22.10 (142) to 5.10 (40) loss to Geelong.

Dew said the club would make decisions surrounding the futures of many Suns players by around the end of today (Monday).

Gold Coast have been clear about their strategy of going after the best talent available in the draft while targeting mature-age players who can improve the list.

Michael Barlow of the Suns (right) and Jordan Murdoch of the Cats contest during the Round 23 AFL match between the Geelong Cats and the Gold Coast Suns at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong, Saturday, August 25, 2018. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith.

Last year’s recruits Aaron Young, 25, and Nick Holman, 23, were consistent contributors for Gold Coast this season and Dew said the club would be looking for players of the same ilk.

“It’s a mix of bringing in some top-end draft picks but also looking for Nick Holman, Aaron Young types,” Dew said.

Nick Holman of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round 17 AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Essendon Bombers at Metricon Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

“I think they’ve been great for our footy club, not only on the ground, they’ve been durable, played all year and provided good leadership.

“Those guys that are looking for that second chance or another opportunity and are desperate to play and make Gold Coast their footy club, I’m sure there’s players like that out there and if they’re anything like those two individuals, we’ll open the doors.”

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