The acquisition of Brayden Fiorini has been a significant movement for Essendon in this year’s Continental Tyres Trade Period. 

Once the 28-year-old signalled his interest to join the Club at the commencement of the window, Dons fans were excited by the prospect of signing the experienced winger, whose 2025 campaign brought the best we’ve seen out of his career to date in a new role.

Citing the ‘clear vision’ the Bombers have provided for him on-field as a key factor in making his move, Fiorini chatted to Trade Radio about his excitement to return to his home state and don the red and black. 

Fiorini on… clarity in joining the Club 

I think from the get-go, Essendon were really clear with their vision of where they want to go. 

Obviously they had a little disappointing year through injuries and stuff, but, you know, sitting down with them and chatting to the people at the top, even Andrew Welsh, the President, just the clear vision and path that they have moving forward.

I think they had a really clear vision for me individually as well, with the opportunity and the specific role that they wanted me to play, and that really resonated with me. 

From the get-go, they made me feel really valued and feel like I can contribute, you know, both on and off the field, to such a young and exciting group.  

Yeah, there was obviously a lot to weigh up. I’ve loved my time (at the SUNS), you know, I’ve been here the past decade. It was a tough decision, one that you know, me and my family, and along with (manager Liam Pickering as well), sort of sat down and thoroughly went through the pros and cons of everything, and, yeah, a little bit stressful over the last week, just waiting around.

But I'm glad I made the decision, and we're super excited to come back down to Melbourne. 

Fiorini on… the process 

Yeah, I think through the process, I was pretty open with asking a lot of questions (about) throughout the year, obviously with their injuries and just everything they're putting in place. 

I was really impressed by their approach to everything, they were obviously really professional.

Fiorini on… his wing role

It was good to get a little bit of recognition there.

I’ve predominantly been an inside mid throughout my career, and when ‘Dimma’ sort of came into the Club last year, he thought it'd be good to expose me out on the wing with the high-end talent and the depth that we had in the midfield there at the SUNS.

So, yeah, it's been a little bit of a blessing in disguise, hasn't it, getting pushed out to the wing and applying my craft out there. But yeah, I’ve actually loved that role over the last couple of years and I’m looking forward to running up and down the wings for the Bombers.

(Midfield is a potential option) as well, if needed. But yeah, it's predominantly the wing and helping the inside mids with my footy IQ, my voice on the outside there, and then just the work rate to get up and down the ground.

Fiorini on… family connection

The family connection is really important. I’ve been up here for 10 years, moved away when I 18, so to get back with my little two-year-old William, with all his cousins. I'm one of five boys, four older brothers down here and a big family, which was a big factor.

It was a tough decision in the end, as I said before, we didn't take it lightly, and we didn't rush into anything, but I feel like it's definitely the best decision for me and the family.

Anzac Day might be a bit tough (with my brothers being Collingwood supporters)! But nah, I think we'll get them over to the Bombers, mate.

Fiorini on… the move, leading by example

Now that the deal's gone through, we can start putting things in place to relocate and the Bombers go back to pre-season a little bit earlier than what the SUNS would, so I'll get down there over the next few weeks and start day one with them.  

I like to look at myself as a selfless teammate that can help especially the young boys. 

The young crew here at Gold Coast when I started out was really young, and I feel like I've had a bit to do with them and their development, so hopefully I can bring that across and lead in my own ways and take a few young boys under my wing. 

Just lead by action.