GOLD Coast has locked in Michael Rischitelli for 2014 as it continues to build its midfield group.
Rischitelli joined the Suns in 2011 after winning the Brisbane Lions best and fairest in 2010.
He was impressive in his first season with the Suns and finished third in the best and fairest, however he has battled injury in recent years.
Rischitelli, 27, has played 157 games, including two finals, and lends great experience to a midfield that has a bunch of exciting youngsters alongside superstar Gary Ablett.
He played 11 games in 2013, with his season disrupted by a dislocated elbow suffered against Essendon in round 12.
The injury restricted his activity but he forced his way back into the team through the reserves to play the final two games of the season.
Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said in August he was keen to keep Rischitelli at the club beyond 2013, saying he provided important leadership in the midfield.
The Suns have been keen to maintain some hardened bodies in the midfield as its high draft selections develop and keep pressure for spots high.
"Everyone will be on high alert for that and going into a pre-season understanding that. If you're fit and you're strong and you're in form, guess what, you get to play on the weekend," McKenna said in August.
