FIORINI UP FOR FIGHT
SUNS MIDFIELDER’S BATTLE FOR A PLACE IN THE BEST 22
SUNS midfielder Brayden Fiorini says he hasn’t entertained the idea of a trade as he fights to retain his place in the senior side after two of the most frustrating seasons of his career spent largely in the reserves.
The tide looks to have turned for Fiorini who has been named in the side for the past four games straight in Gold Coast’s AFL side, something that hasn’t happened since the end of 2019.
He has retained his spot for Saturday’s round 18 clash with the Western Bulldogs at Metricon Stadium.
The 23-year-old went from playing 21 games in 2019, to five in 2020 and then none in 2021 until round 14 when he came on as a medical sub, remained unused in round 15 and then earned a starting role in the club’s past two wins, against Richmond and GWS.
“When a couple soldiers went down a couple of weeks ago I got my opportunity as an inside mid for the last two games and loved it, cherished it,” Fiorini said.
“I’m definitely grateful to be back in. It’s been a long year just trying to stay patient and work on my game throughout the week and weekends.
“Hopefully I can hold my spot for the rest of the season now.”
Fiorini is contracted until the end of 2023 but the man likened to Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury because of his composure and footy
IQ could attract interest from rival clubs if he falls out of favour again.
Suns football hierarchy have been public about their commitment to Fiorini and speak highly of his standing in the squad.
Fiorini said his fight to cement a spot in the club’s best 22 for the best part of two seasons had provided the toughest period of his career but he hadn’t considered a trade if it continued.
“I think it has been the biggest challenge (of my career). I have had a few injuries throughout the journey as well which presents different challenges as well. This one has been more frustrating having to be patient.
“It’s given me a good opportunity to build resilience and work on my game as well throughout the week and in the VFL too and that’s a good competition this year too.
“I haven’t really thought about (a trade) to be honest. I’ve been trying to keep working on what they need me to do and stay up and about around the club and be the best teammate I can be.
“I am back in the side now and moved my whole life up here with my partner so I’m just loving being back involved and winning in the last couple of weeks.”
Fiorini said foot speed had been his greatest challenge, with coaches playing him on the wing in a bid to help him develop pace while providing another avenue into a senior side stacked with inside midfielders.
“I have been clear with the coaches and they have been clear with me about what they want and what I need to work on,” FIorini said.
“Early in the year I was more like an outside wing role. I have always said along the journey that inside mid is my best position but we have a lot of good inside mids.
“It was a matter of trying to get in ahead of them or waiting for an opportunity.
“The main thing has been driving my legs in the stoppage and exploding out of the stoppage.
“The speed aspect of it, it’s something I have been working on in the last couple of years after having groin surgery two years ago. Since then I’ve been working to get my speed back.”