Bombers complete deal to land Suns winger

ESSENDON has completed a deal for Gold Coast winger Brayden Fiorini.

AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey has reported the Bombers have sent a future third-round pick to the Suns to land the 28-year-old.

Despite being a free agent, Fiorini was traded so the Bombers didn't dilute their free agency compensation pick for ruck Sam Draper, who has gone to Brisbane.

It's a welcome addition for a young and inexperienced Bombers list.

Taken with pick No.20 in the 2015 draft, Fiorini played 123 games for the Suns, including 18 this year.

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A run of excellent VFL form saw Fiorini earn a spot in Gold Coast's best 22, and he featured in both of its finals.

Fiorini's departure is part of a busy off-season for the Suns.

Gold Coast is looking to land Melbourne superstar Christian Petracca and also has interest in Western Bulldogs forward Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

Sam Flanders and Malcolm Rosas jnr have been traded to St Kilda and Sydney respectively, while Connor Budarick is set to join the Western Bulldogs and Ben Ainsworth has landed at Carlton.

"I'm super excited to be joining the Bombers, and to join such a big club with a rich history is really special to me," Fiorini said.

"Having been in the system for 10 years I feel I can bring leadership and experience to the young and exciting group, both on and off the field. I want to bring my high work rate, footy IQ and help support the Club's direction.

"I will be forever grateful to the Suns for the opportunity they gave me as an 18-year-old to fulfil my dream of becoming an AFL footballer."

Essendon list boss Matt Rosa said he saw a "clear role" for Fiorini on the wing in the young Bombers side.

"It's a role-specific target we were after leading into this period," Rosa said.

"Brayden has great leadership qualities, is a high-end character and has great footy IQ. There's no doubt he'll complement our midfield mix.

"He provides us with reliable, immediate impact on and off-field and is the calibre of character we want driving standards at the Essendon Football Club."

Gold Coast list manager Craig Cameron thanked Fiorini for his service to the Suns.

"Brayden has made a significant contribution to our football club, both on and off the field, throughout 10 seasons, and has been a much-loved member of our playing group.

"We would like to wish Brayden, his wife Molly and young son William all the best in their next chapter."

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