The Gold Coast Suns are expecting a major boost to the club’s midfield in 2014 in the form of former star recruit Michael Rischitelli.
The soon to be 28-year-old signed a free agent deal with the Suns after winning Brisbane’s Best & Fairest award after the 2010 season, but has struggled to remain on the right side of the track since signing a lucrative offer to move to Queensland.
A combination of ankle, elbow and hamstring complaints limited Rischitelli to just 25 games over the last two seasons, resulting six-year career lows in disposals, down from nearly 24 a game in 2011 to 15 per contest since.
The rough run of injuries now appear to be behind the 157-game veteran as he nears full fitness.
"I'm feeling really good. I feel freer and lighter running, more powerful," Rischitelli told AFL.com.au.
"I'd say it's the best I've felt for a few years.
"I feel good now and I'm only 27. I think I've got a few good years left. While I've had a couple of frustrating couple of years, I've still got plenty to give."
Coach Guy McKenna believes Rischitelli is nearing the form that saw him average 23.7 possession, 4.6 marks and 5.4 tackles a game in 2011.
"He's probably back to that first year (2011) as far as his output goes, so that's exciting.
"To get him back in our side is a big tick. It's like an in-house trade. We haven't had an experienced hard-bodied player and midfielder, which is important.
"He's battled some physical and mental demons over the last two seasons but produced some really good football. He's got that hard edge to him too… and the young guys learn from that. I'm just really excited."
Finding a spot among the Suns’ talented core may not be as easy this time around. Gary Ablett's grip on the AFL's best player title is wavering, but still remains and the emergence of young stars Jaeger O’Meara and Dion Prestia- not to mention David Swallow, Harley Bennell, Danny Stanley and Jarrod Harbrow- may mean playing opportunity could be hard to come by.
In other AFL player news, Port Adelaide have welcomed back vice-captain Brad Ebert with a three-year extension.
The 23-year-old has emerged into a star since moving from West Coast to Port after the 2011 season and played a key role in the Power’s resurgence last season.
“I’ve had a fair few family members play at the club and that was a big reason for me to come back (from West Coast) to play for the club I loved and followed growing up,” Ebert told Port Adelaide's website.
“It’s exciting to continue that on for the next few years.
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Photo: Chris Hyde, Getty Images
fabdays.blogspot.com Gold Coast Suns Expect A Fully Fit Rischitelli In 2014