'Someone better tell him': Brownlow blunder 'retires' Michael Rischitelli

Michael Rischitelli has been ‘retired’ on Brownlow night less than a month after the Gold Coast Suns veteran re-signed for 2019.

That was the view of footy fans around the country after the Brownlow Medal night’s annual celebration of retiring stars ticked through a host of announced names.

And then Rischitelli popped up.

The 32-year-old will be delisted and redrafted as a rookie for next season to continue to provide the Suns with some experience in the playing list.

Gold Coast quickly got on the front foot and Rischitelli soon made light of the mistake as well, but not before the punters could have their say.

One theory was that Rischitelli was confused with Matt Rosa, the 31-year-old who announced last month he would retire after more than a decade with West Coast and then Gold Coast.

Rischitelli played all but one game this year and is a lock to contribute in 2019 as the Suns continue to rebuild.

“Playing a new role in defence this year allowed me to see the game differently and lead our young group out on the field,” he said in August.

“My body has held up really well this year and it’s great to get some continuity back into my football after a couple of years with only a handful of games.”