Michael Rischitelli
| Michael Rischitelli | |||
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Michael Rischitelli at a Brisbane Lions public training session in 2008.
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| Personal information | |||
| Full name | Michael Rischitelli | ||
| Date of birth | 8 January 1986 | ||
| Original team(s) | Western Jets (TAC Cup) | ||
| Draft | No. 61, 2003 National Draft, Brisbane Lions Uncontracted recruit, Gold Coast |
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| Height / weight | 184cm / 81.6kg | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Gold Coast | ||
| Number | 35 | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
| Years | Club | Games (Goals) | |
| 2004–2010 | Brisbane Lions | 111 (47) | |
| 2011– | Gold Coast | 100 (40) | |
| Total | 211 (87) | ||
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1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2016.
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| Career highlights | |||
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| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Michael Rischitelli (born 8 January 1986) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Gold Coast Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He previously played for the Brisbane Lions.
Rischitelli's first game in the AFL turned out to be a dream debut for the then-teenager, playing as a late inclusion in the Lions' Round 17, 2004 side against Adelaide. The Lions kicked an incredible 21 goals in the second half, and went on to win by a whopping 141 points making it Brisbane's biggest win in their history. Rischitelli kicked two goals. It was his only game for the season.
2005 wasn't much of an improvement for Rischitelli, and definitely wasn't for his team either. The Lions finished eleventh on the ladder, a poorer season than 2004, in which they were Grand Finalists. Mainly due to a quad injury, Rischitelli played only three games for the year, in which he made a minimal impression.
Rischitelli's 2006 season ended up being his breakthrough season, finding a regular spot in Brisbane's side and playing in the first eighteen matches of the season. He started to find a lot more of the ball than in previous years, and in rounds six and seven his disposal count was in the twenties, earning him two Brownlow votes and a Rising Star nomination. His impressive season was further accoladed at the Lions' 2006 award night, at which he was awarded the Most Improved Player award.
Rischitelli had a solid 2009 season, but was shocked when he was offered up, along with Daniel Bradshaw, as a possible trade option for controversial Carlton full-forward Brendan Fevola after the conclusion of the 2009 season. Although under intense public pressure to agree to be traded, Rischitelli ultimately decided that he wished to stay with Brisbane, meaning that particular trade option fell through and the Lions instead got Fevola in a trade for Lachlan Henderson and a draft pick. That Rischitelli was offered up to trade has been suggested as a possible reason as to why he left to play with the Gold Coast a season later.
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