Brayden Fiorini has called his own future.

The manager of BRAYDEN Fiorini has announced that the free agent will play next season at Essendon.

Fiorini had been considering offers with the Bombers and Port Adelaide and a new deal to remain at the Suns.

Fiorini manager Liam Pickering told Continental Tyres AFL Trade Radio that he will play with the Bombers.

He will come to Essendon as soon as they can get a trade with him, which I hope they will be able to get.

“Essendon is a good fit. He is a boy of the north suburbs, he returns to Melbourne, it is a part he plays in the wing.

Although he is a free agent, Fiorini will presumably make a trade so that he does not affect the Bombers free agency compensation pick on Sam Draper.

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It is a welcome change to an inexperienced and young Bombers list.

Fiorini was picked at No.20 in the 2015 draft and has played 123 games in his Suns tenure, and 18 this season.

An outstanding streak of VFL form secured Fiorini a place in the best 22 of the Gold Coast and played in both Gold Coast finals.

Fiorinis exit will be the start of the Suns busy off-season.

Sam Flanders, Connor Budarick and Malcolm Rosas jnr will leave, and Ben Ainsworth is also considering his options.

Gold Coast are targeting Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca, and are also interested in Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

A Homecoming for Brayden Fiorini

For Fiorini, the move is more than just a change of club — it’s a genuine homecoming to Melbourne.

Selected with pick No.20 in the 2015 national draft, Fiorini has spent nine seasons at the Suns, playing 123 AFL games and establishing a reputation as a reliable, hard-working wingman with excellent endurance and clean ball use.

After an early-season stint in the VFL, Fiorini’s strong form earned him a recall to the Suns’ senior side, where he played a key role in both of Gold Coast’s historic finals appearances this year — a milestone moment for the club.

Returning to Melbourne means a fresh start, a chance to be closer to family, and an opportunity to play in front of the passionate footy crowds that define the city’s culture. For Essendon, it’s a move that adds maturity, consistency, and structure to a developing midfield group.

Essendon’s Midfield Boost

Fiorini’s arrival is being seen as a smart strategic move by coach Brad Scott and his recruiting team as they continue to reshape the Bombers’ list with balance and experience.

Known for his elite running capacity and composure under pressure, Fiorini will complement the inside power of Zach Merrett, Darcy Parish, and Ben Hobbs, bringing an outside link that has been missing in the Bombers’ transition play.

“We see Brayden Fiorini as someone who fits the Essendon DNA — a hard runner, reliable, and passionate about Melbourne footy culture,” said Essendon recruiting boss Adrian Dodoro.

“It’s great to bring a northern suburbs product back home. He’s exactly the kind of player who helps drive standards and consistency.”

AFL commentators have also praised the Bombers’ move, describing it as “a mature signing for a young list” and “a low-risk, high-reward pickup” for a club eyeing a finals return in 2025.

“He Brayden Fiorini leadership, calmness, and a work ethic that younger Bombers can model,” one Melbourne-based analyst said. “Essendon has needed more reliable wings — this fills that gap perfectly.”

Brayden Fiorini by the Numbers

123 AFL games since debuting in 2016

23.7 disposals per game on average in 2023

Top five for tackles at the Suns this season

Pick No.20 in the 2015 AFL National Draft

Busy Off-Season Ahead for the Suns

Fiorini’s departure marks the beginning of what is shaping up to be a major off-season overhaul at Gold Coast.

Teammates Sam Flanders, Connor Budarick, and Malcolm Rosas jnr are all tipped to depart, while Ben Ainsworth is also weighing up his options.

Meanwhile, the Suns have been linked with Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca and Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, signalling an ambitious recruiting strategy as they aim to push deeper into finals contention next season.

Melbourne’s Trade Buzz Reaches Fever Pitch

With AFL Trade Week in full swing, Fiorini’s signing adds to the excitement rippling through Melbourne’s football circles.

From local pubs in Brunswick to coffee shops in Richmond, footy fans are debating who their clubs should target next — and Fiorini’s return home has quickly become one of the city’s most talked-about stories.

Across town, Collingwood is eyeing midfield depth options, Carlton continues to strengthen its backline, and St Kilda remains active in discussions for several fringe players. Melbourne, once again, is buzzing with trade fever.

Fan Reaction – ‘The Perfect Fit’

Essendon supporters have flooded social media with excitement since news of Fiorini’s move broke, calling it “the perfect fit at the perfect time.”

Fans praised the Bombers for targeting players with leadership and local roots — a signal that the club is stabilizing and building a Melbourne-first identity.

“Love it — a local boy coming home, exactly what this team needs,” one fan posted on X. “Brayden Fiorini brings class, and you can never have too many hard runners in red and black.”

Another added: “Smart move by the Bombers. We’ve lacked depth on the wings for years. Fiorini’s a solid addition who’ll make others better.”

Looking Ahead

Essendon’s focus now turns to strengthening its forward line, with reports linking the club to a small forward ahead of the trade deadline.

Meanwhile, Fiorini’s signing signals a cultural shift — a return to hard-running, team-first football — and a reminder that Essendon remains one of Melbourne’s most tradition-rich and closely watched AFL clubs.

For Brayden Fiorini , it’s both a new chapter and a homecoming, a chance to shine again under the bright lights of the MCG and reconnect with the Melbourne football community that helped shape him.

“He’s back where it all started,” one local supporter said. “And you can bet he’ll be ready to make an impact.”

For Brayden Fiorini , the move symbolizes both a fresh start and a return to where it all began — back home in Melbourne, under the bright lights of the AFL once again.

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