Gold Coast Sun Michael Rischitelli has this morning called time on his AFL career.
The former Suns' vice-captain was one of the inaugural draftees into the expansion side, crossing from Brisbane ahead of the 2011 season.
Drafted at pick 61 in the 2003 draft by the Lions, 'Rischa' went on to play 242 games in a career spanning 16 years.
With the Lions, Rischitelli was a rising star nominee in 2006 before winning the Lions' best and fairest award in 2010.
After 111 games at Brisbane, he decided to cross-town to the Gold Coast Suns where he played 131 games over nine years.
The 33-year-old told teammates Tuesday morning of his decision to retire from the game.
I’ve loved every moment of my career, it’s been an incredible journey,” Rischitelli told Suns Media.
“Throughout my 16 years, I’ve experienced some fantastic moments and a couple of extremely tough times, but I’ve enjoyed the ride.”
The Gold Coast will farewell Rischitelli this weekend in their final game of the season when they host GWS at Metricon Stadium.