NOT EVEN Michael Rischitelli thought he had any hope of completing one of the great chase-down tackles in recent memory when he set off in pursuit of Rory Sloane on Sunday.

The Gold Coast vice-captain sported the Adelaide midfielder a five metre head-start after losing his footing, yet 50 metres later had pulled Sloane down as he was steadying to kick for goal.

Rischitelli thought he had "no hope" of pulling off the tackle.

"I thought he was well and truly clear," Rischitelli said.

"I just kept at it and eventually got him in the end.

"As much as I didn't think I was going to get him, I think he just didn't know what he was going to do, whether he was going to pass it off or go for goal, so I think he let me gain a few more metres than I maybe should."

Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting