Brayden Fiorini is the third player to ink his future at the club this week, with the 2015 first round selection joining key defenders Adam Saad and Sean Lemmens in extending his time with the Gold Coast SUNS.
Taken with the 20th overall pick at the national draft last year, Fiorini is a classy outside midfielder with terrific game awareness.
He emerged as a breakout performer during his underage season in the TAC Cup and added grunt to his game in 2015 to become a more balanced on-baller. Fiorini was a weekly standout for the Northern Knights throughout the season, averaging 30 disposals a game.
The 18-year-old versatile ball-magnet, who is currently recovering from a ruptured lateral collateral ligament injury, said he has enjoyed every moment of his transition to AFL life on the Gold Coast.
“It has been nothing short of a privilege to have been drafted by the Gold Coast SUNS,” Fiorini said.
“To have the opportunity to realise my AFL dream in Queensland has been a dream come true. The playing group, coaching staff and welfare team welcomed me with open arms from the first day I arrived, and have made every effort to assist with my transition to the Gold Coast.
“Internally, our standards and expectations are at an elite level, and excitement continues to build around the club.
“I want to be part of this club’s future, and am looking forward to every challenge and opportunity that is presented to me.”
List & Strategy - Scott Clayton said Fiorini’s re-signing, which follows Saad and Lemmens’ long-term signatures, spoke volumes of the players’ confidence in the club’s direction.
“To have three quality players in Adam, Sean and Brayden all re-sign to the club inside of a week demonstrates their commitment in wanting to be part of our future here at the Gold Coast SUNS,” Clayton said.
“To have a player of Brayden’s calibre, a top 20 pick from last year, sign on is a massive boost to our strategic recruitment plan.
“Brayden, alongside the other players to have re-committed in 2016, are showing they want to form the nucleus of a winning culture."
