The Gold Coast may be set to welcome Christian Petracca through the doors in this year's trade period, but there could be a queue of Suns passing him on the way out. Free agent midfielder Brayden Fiorini is one such player, who will head to Essendon as an unrestricted free agent.
The 28-year-old had been deciding between interest from both the Suns and the Bombers, as well as Port Adelaide.
But he has ultimately settled on Essendon, with his agent Liam Pickering confirming the news.
"He's going to play for the Bombers. I caught up with him this morning, we have told the Bombers," Pickering said.
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"The Suns put a compelling offer to him to stay. He liked the meeting with Port Adelaide as well, but Essendon is a good fit for him."
"He's going to play for the Bombers. I caught up with him this morning - we have told the Bombers. The Suns put a compelling offer to him to stay. He liked the meeting with Port Adelaide as well, but Essendon is a good fit for him"
— AFL Trade Radio (@traderadio) October 6, 2025
- Liam Pickering on his client, Brayden Fiorini
After dominating in the VFL early in the year, Fiorini held a spot in Damien Hardwick's side from round nine onwards, including their two finals.
Despite becoming a regular in the Suns lineup, Gold Coast were aware the potential for greater opportunities could lure him away.
"Brayden is right to explore his options. We've encouraged him to," Suns list manager Craig Cameron had said.
"We love Brayden as a team person for our footy club, but we also understand that he feels like there's more opportunity for him, so it makes sense for him to explore them."
Fiorini could be one of several Suns that are set to depart this trade period.
Rising star Bailey Humphrey has reportedly met with several Victorian clubs, as he weighs up a trade request back to his home state.
Fellow midfielder Sam Flanders is also seeking a move to Victoria, nominating St Kilda as his preferred destination in a trade.
Forward Ben Ainsworth is also considering a trade, despite having three years to run on his contract, with Carlton the early favourites.
The Suns are also contemplating improving their key forward stocks, with Jamarra Ugle-Hagan set to complete a medical with the club, while two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow is also open to plying his trade with the Suns in the future.