Rischitelli gets OK to play Swans

Michael Rischitelli has proved his fitness to the Gold Coast Suns staff and will play against Sydney. Picture: David Clark. Source: News Limited

MICHAEL Rischitelli has passed a fitness test and flown to Sydney with the Suns to take on the Swans at the SCG today.

Rischitelli had to convince coach Guy McKenna and head of fitness Stephen Schwerdt that he could play a full game before being handed his boarding pass by the Suns' football department.

But with the Suns' reserves - also in the Harbour City playing an NEAFL curtain-raiser - McKenna has plenty of able-bodied replacements if Rischitelli pulls up lame today.

The veteran midfielder complained of hamstring soreness after the Suns' season-opening victory over St Kilda at Carrara.

Given he limped through much of last season with tendonitis in the hamstring, and the quality of today's opponents, McKenna said he was not prepared to take any risks with the 27-year-old.

"We had some doubts but I think he is OK," McKenna said.

"We had to test him, it is like a final when you play Sydney and you can't afford to carry anyone."

In previous encounters between Sydney and the Gold Coast, the Suns have been competitive early before being blown away by their bigger and fitter opponents in the second half.

McKenna believes his side's improved fitness levels should enable it to go with Sydney for the entire game and said the team's ability to maintain its intensity would determine its competitiveness.

"If we bring effort, tackle hard and use the ball well we give ourselves a chance of competing for longer and if we compete for longer we give ourselves a chance of winning," he said.

"We did that for three quarters against St Kilda (last week) but I don't think that will be enough against Sydney.

"It probably won't be a physical battle for us but a mental battle."

McKenna has also revealed he does not expect vice-captain Nathan Bock to be available until after the round 13 bye.

Bock had hoped to play in round 1 but the steel pin inserted into the leg he broke against Fremantle in round 6 last year had led to complications in his ankle.

McKenna said Bock had been completing regular running sessions but was a "mile off" being fit enough to play.

"I'd be very happy if I could be picking him after the bye, that's what is in the back of my mind," he said.

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