The irresistible NEAFL form of Brayden Fiorini was too much for Rodney Eade and his match committee to overlook, with the midfielder handed an AFL debut against Collingwood this Saturday night at Etihad Stadium.
Fiorini collected 40 disposals in a best-on-ground performance last week for the SUNS reserves and was given the good news by Gold Coast’s senior coach before Thursday morning’s open training session at Ikon Park in Melbourne.
“Rocket came in before training and told all the boys and myself as well so pretty stoked and can’t wait to get out there,” Fiorini told SUNS TV.
It’s been a long road to senior football for the Northern Knights product, who ruptured a lateral collateral ligament early in the season and was forced to sit on the sidelines as the rest of the SUNS 2015 draft crop received their opportunities.
An opportunity that has finally arrived for last year’s No. 20 draft pick who becomes the club’s 40th player used in 2016.
“Played in the first couple of rounds of the NEAFL and then got injured in round three so it’s been a long year,” Fiorini said.
“Out for 13 weeks that was so good to get back, playing some footy and finally my chance has come and hopefully take it with both hands.”
The SUNS are looking to bounce back after their round 21 loss to Essendon and the message from the coach’s message to the players is simple - take the game on against the Magpies.
“Just take the game on, nothing to lose now so hopefully we get the win and finish off the year well.”
Brayden Fiorini after Thursday's training session at Ikon Park
