The AFL's newest club, the Gold Coast Suns have announced the acquisition of their third uncontracted player, Brisbane Lions midfielder Michael Rischitelli.
Rischitelli, who's the favourite to take out the Lions' champion award the Merrett-Murray Medal at Thursday's best and fairest count, was presented to sponsors, the media and supporters at Southport Sharks on Tuesday morning.
"I spoke to (Brisbane coach Michael Voss) 'Vossy' today and obviously I've left on a good note," Rischitelli said.
"I'll treasure all the memories and all the good times I've had at the Lions but ... it's going to be great to be part of something new and the time is right."
The 24-year-old has played 111 AFL games including all 22 this year since joining the Brisbane from the Western Jets with pick No.61 in the 2003 national draft.
He denied that his commitment to the Lions was compromised after he was offered up to Carlton 12 months ago as part of a failed trade deal for Brendan Fevola.
"It's probably got nothing to do with that," he said.
"If you have a look at the season, it hasn't really affected personally my year."
"I'm not going to speculate on how tough the decision was but it was made purely for me and what's best for my future."
Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said Rischitelli was among the best available on the open market and had been selected as much for his character as his football abilities.
"To have a bloke of Michael's experience out there in the cut and thrust of AFL football is an added bonus," McKenna said.
Lions CEO Michael Bowers said the club was bitterly disappointed to have lost a quality player who is approaching the prime of his AFL career.
"The rules and regulations that the AFL has put in place for the expansion clubs are difficult to compete against," Bowers said.
Adelaide defender Nathan Bock and Port Adelaide utility Nathan Krakouer were the first uncontracted players to switch to the Suns when they signed last week.
Hawthorn premiership defender and 2007 All Australian Campbell Brown is widely expected to be the next domino to fall.
It's understood Gold Coast has offered Brown a three-year deal worth up to $450,000 per season to head north.
Like Rischitelli, Brown is believed to have started looking elsewhere after he was linked to the deal that eventually brought Shaun Burgoyne to Hawthorn from Port Adelaide.
Pacy Western Bulldog Jarrod Harbrow, who hails from Queensland, has also been linked to the Suns and appears likely to sign when his finals commitments with the Dogs are complete.
Gold Coast are permitted to sign one uncontracted player from each of the current 16 clubs ahead of their admission as the competition's 17th team from next season.