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50 'rookie' games are up, time for riska to put his stamp on the competition.
lets hope there is about another 200 games to come
congrats riska
Lions 'must improve' for Cats
Marc Fox
April 28, 2008 - 12:07PM
Fifty-gamer Michael Rischitelli still isn't entirely satisfied with his own output and also believes there's plenty of improvement in how the Lions move the ball around the field.
Match statistics indicated Rischitelli celebrated his milestone appearance with a season's best return in Brisbane's resounding win over the lowly Demons yesterday, a 52-point walkover at the Gabba.
The 21-year-old enjoyed 20 possessions and laid a game-high 10 tackles to blow the cobwebs off a sluggish start in a readjusted defensive role.
But asked about his own form today, the tenacious onballer wasn't quite as effusive.
"Not too bad," he responded to a direct question about his personal contribution to the Lions' 3-3 start to the year.
"Each week I seem to be getting just a little bit better and finding my feet a little bit more.
"Early in the year I was just trying to get the ball, so it's just been good to be able to find a bit more ball."
It's clearly small steps for Rischitelli at the moment.
Earlier this month, he exclusively admitted to brisbanetimes.com.au to floundering after being moved into a more defensive starting position by coach Leigh Matthews.
Before the remarkable come-from-behind win at AAMI Stadium in round four, Rischitelli said he was "steadily crawling back" into form after a sluggish start to the season and admitted he was grateful just be keeping his spot in the side.
Since then his numbers have improved, but his frame of mind hasn't.
"I've just been focusing on trying to get the ball and trying to dispose of it because our skills at the moment aren't that great," he said.
"No doubt we'll be working on it this week in training."
Geelong squeezed past Fremantle by a point with a last quarter comeback on Friday night to extend that winning sequence, making a fast start the key for Rischitelli.
"I think we've got to push for that, especially during the first quarter, and then you never know," he said.
"But there's nothing better than going into the week after with a win like that (against the Demons)."
i know there are alot of stiller fans on BF, but TBH i think he's been pretty ordinary in 08.
the other two are definately getting there though
That day the fab four ran riot, Black had 15 touches to quarter time, Aker kicked 3 or 4 plus 14 touches in the last. Riska must've thought this caper was easy!
Midfielder Michael Rischitelli, last year rated a potential All-Australian by his coach, is the most benched Lion this year with 52. The 22-year-old said it was difficult finding his rhythm during games.
However, he is happy to be rotated as long as it contributes to team success.
"Sometimes you find yourself getting your hands on it and then all of a sudden you're coming off," Rischitelli said. "You bash and crash, and then have a rest. But that's the way the game's going."
Rischitelli started the season slowly but has been a ball-winning threat in recent games.
Last week he torched Carlton in the first term and finished the game with five clearances, just behind ball magnets Simon Black and Luke Power.
He has also added an attacking string to his bow, booting a goal and contributing a team-high five inside-50s.
Essendon chased hard for Rischitelli in 2006 and he is off contract again at the end of this season.
He said contract re-negotiations will begin soon but he is keen to stay put.
"Last week when we played in Melbourne, I found the weather really difficult," said Rischitelli whose parents will be at the Gabba this afternoon.
"When I go back now I think, how did I ever play there?
"It's good living in Brisbane, knowing that when you wake up you're guaranteed sunshine.
"My family and friends are still there but because I've started something here Brisbane feels like home as well."
