Fiorini future is certain
Backline role beckons after contract extension
BRAYDEN Fiorini’s new Suns deal has given him clarity on his long-term future but mystery remains around his playing position in the short term.
The 22-year-old has signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him at Gold Coast until the end of the 2023 season, becoming nearly the 30th player on the list to resign in the past 12 months.
The confirmation came less than 24 hours after key defender Sam Collins recommitted until the end of 2022.
Fiorini has spent his career in the midfield but could be set for a stint down back.
It comes off the back of Gold Coast’s increased depth in the middle, injuries to defenders and his own slow build from off-season groin surgery.
“I have had a bit of a compromised pre-season with my groin surgery and I have been playing a bit down back,” Fiorini
said after playing the Suns’ second pre-season game at halfback.
“We have so many midfielders who can go through there and at the moment we are down in defenders with (Jarrod) Harbrow), (Pearce) Hanley and (Rory) Thompson, (Charlie) Ballard and (Jack) Hombsch) all a bit injured or coming off injury.
“I don’t mind where I play. I’m learning good habits down there in the backline and happy to play anywhere really. I’ll probably start down back but who knows.”
Gold Coast are coming off the wooden spoon but Fiorini said it had never felt more positive around the club.
“Everyone wants to be here now. We do have a young group but it’s really driven and hungry as well,” he said.
Fiorini said he was uncertain when the new-found vibes would transcend into wins but said the sky was the limit.
Suns football manager Jon Haines said the extension of a number of the core playing group was a sign the players believed the club was heading in the right direction.
“Brayden is highly respected among the playing and coaching group and we’re thrilled that he (has) committed to the Gold Coast Suns,” Haines said.