After playing four matches in his first two years at the Lions - he made his AFL debut in round 17, 2004 and made three appearances last season - Rischitelli showed why he entered 2006 as one of the club's brightest prospects. He stepped up to become a key member in the Lions' midfield brigade, playing every match up until round 18, before a shoulder injury interrupted the latter part of his year. In the lead-up to his nomination, Rischitelli gained 48 disposals in rounds six and seven - including a 27-disposal performance against Hawthorn - a personal best.