No one knows what it’s like to be in senior selection limbo more than 20-year-old Brayden Fiorini.
The SUNS midfielder fell in and out of favour in 2017, being selected then dropped five times over the course of the year and never playing more than three consecutive games.
He’s now hit the three-game streak to start off the 2018
“This year I’ve played the first three games, played the JLT’s as well so I’m getting some continuity going,” Fiorini told SUNS TV.
“Compared to last year obviously I was in and out a bit but hopefully this continues.”
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Fiorini makes up one cog of a successful new-look midfield unit under Dew.
The difference this season is clear to see, with the SUNS ranked first in the competition in contested possessions and tackles after the first three rounds.
“We’ve just been really focussing on our contested ball and as you saw in the first two games, our tackling,” Fiorini said.
“Obviously not on the weekend, it wasn’t up to where we wanted it to be but as you saw in the first two games, contested ball and tackling we’ve been really focussing on.
“And just the transition from stoppages – if we win it where do we go and if we lose it how do we get it back.”
Acknowledging they didn’t get it right as a team against Fremantle, Fiorini is confident the SUNS will be back playing the same type of footy against the Eagles which saw them start the season 2-0.
"We went and had a look at them (West Coast) on Sunday, a few of us boys, and they play really similar to Fremantle in the way they move the ball and defend,” Fiorini said.
“It’s pretty much a dress rehearsal for us from the weekend so we’ll train tomorrow and then be ready to go Saturday.”
