Gold Coast Suns player Michael Rischitelli announces his retirement

Suns veteran Michael Rischitelli has announced his retirement from football. The man regarded as the heart and soul of the Gold Coast Suns will bring his incredible 16-year AFL career to an end when he plays his 243rd senior game in the club’s Round 23 match against GWS this Saturday at Metricon Stadium.

SUNS veteran Michael Rischitelli has announced his retirement from football.

The man regarded as the heart and soul of the Gold Coast Suns will bring his incredible 16-year AFL career to an end when he plays his 243rd senior game in the club’s Round 23 match against GWS this Saturday at Metricon Stadium.

The 33-year-old will go down as one of the most influential players to represent both Queensland clubs, with his leadership, professionalism and character playing an enormous roll in turning around Gold Coast’s culture in recent seasons.

“I’ve loved every moment of my career, it’s been an incredible journey,” Rischitelli said.

“Throughout my 16 years, I’ve experienced some fantastic moments and a couple of extremely tough times, but I’ve enjoyed the ride.”

“There are many people I would like to thank for their support throughout, but I have to make mention of my wife Jo, and both our families, they’ve been unbelievable and I can’t thank them enough.”

Paul Puopolo of the Hawks tackles Michael Rischitelli of the Suns during the round 22 AFL match between the Hawthorn Hawks and the Gold Coast Suns at Marvel Stadium on August 18, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

The Victorian-born footballer arrived at Brisbane at the end of their triple-premiership run at the end of 2003, with his appearance in Brisbane’s 2009 semi-final loss to the Western Bulldogs the closest he has come to winning the premiership that eluded him.

Rischitelli was taken with pick no. 61 of the 2006 national draft and managed just 4 senior games in his first two seasons at the Lions, learning from some of the greatest players of the modern era.

He celebrated a breakthrough season in 2006 and while injuries have been heartbreaking at times and on-field success fleeting, the respected footballer said he will leave knowing he gave everything he could to the game and his teammates.

Suns football manager Jon Haines, thanked Rischitelli and his family, wife Jo, children Kai and Lia, for their relentless contribution to the Gold Coast SUNS.

“Michael has been a fantastic leader for our young football club, a role model and father figure for players throughout his nine seasons and influential in driving standards on and off the field,” Haines said.

“Often understated, Rischa has been relentless in his approach to help drive this club forward and his efforts cannot be underestimated.

“On behalf of the club, we thank Michael and his family for their contribution to the establishment of the Gold Coast SUNS. He has been an integral part of our history and will always be part of our future, we wish him all the best.”