Young Gold Coast Suns leader Brayden Fiorini says he still has a lot to prove on the field

Brayden Fiorini has proven to his teammates off the field he deserves to be among Gold Coast’s leaders but the midfielder says he feels he still has a lot to prove on the pitch. Read how his new leadership status sits with him and what has put him in the new role.

Brayden Fiorini has proven to his teammates off the field he deserves to be among Gold Coast’s leaders but the midfielder says he feels he still has a lot to prove on the pitch.

Fiorini, 21, is the youngest of the Suns leaders for the 2019 season and with just 26 games to his name is also one of the most inexperienced on the list.

Injuries have provided the greatest roadblock to the early stages of Fiorini’s career so far, with the Melbourne product rupturing his lateral collateral ligament in his maiden season in 2016 while a stress reaction in his ankle stopped him from playing more than 11 games last year.

The ball-winner is considered one of the best emerging midfielders at the club and with Fiorini in no doubt about his teammates backing of him, he wants to prove he can lead and perform on the field.

Brayden Fiorini opens up about his new leadership status. Picture: SARAH REED

“I’m still inexperienced and I want to get out on the field all 22 games this year hopefully and try and help the boys out there and prove my on field leadership as well,” Fiorini said.

“On the field I like to talk a lot and set up the structures. I feel like that is my strength, my knowledge of the game and the structures and set up. That’s where I try and lead out there.

“The genuine care for my teammate and the staff and whole football club as well. I love this club.”

Fiorini has participated in every one of the club’s main training sessions of the preseason for the first time in his career as the Suns edge towards the start of the season on March 24.

“It’s definitely the best preseason I have had and touch wood I’ll stay injury free coming into the season,” Fiorini said.

“I’ve been up and down with injuries and I’ve just tried to get my body right.”