Essendon has successfully traded for Gold Coast midfielder Brayden Fiorini, sending a 2026 third-round selection.

Fiorini was an unrestricted free agent, but the Bombers opted to broker a trade to ensure that the compensation received from Sam Draper's departure (currently Pick 21) to Brisbane wasn't diluted.

The 28-year-old initially joined the Suns with Pick 20 in the 2015 National Draft, and has played 123 games, including 18 matches in 2025.

Fiorini enjoyed an impressive stretch of matches under Damien Hardwick, returning to the side in Round 9 before playing in the remainder of the season, including the two finals clashes against Fremantle and Brisbane.

However, the classy left-footer could be in search of more consistent senior opportunities, having spent large chunks of his career in the VFL.

"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'm really looking forward to this new challenge, and it's great to be moving closer to home and to be joining a Club that is hungry for success. I can't wait to be a part of that."

The trade will also give Gold Coast a second 2026 third-round selection, stacking more points into next year.

The club could look at shifting those future picks into this year to ensure the inclusion of top-end academy prospects.

The Gold Coast Suns are set on acquiring Melbourne's Christian Petracca and targeting Western Bulldogs' Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

Sam Flanders (St Kilda), Ben Ainsworth (Carlton) and  Malcolm Rosas Jr. (Sydney) have, while Connor Budarick will join the Bulldogs before the trade deadline.