The Essendon Bombers unveiled their new leadership group for 2026 on Wednesday, with Andrew McGrath revealed as the club's 42nd captain.
However, the inclusion of one player into the extended core of six players has gone largely unnoticed, although his presence is notable.
That named-leader is top Bombers recruit Brayden Fiorini, who, despite arriving at the Hangar hardly more than two months ago, has impressed so strongly that he was admitted as an instant inclusion into Essendon's leadership group.
That was reflected by the newly appointed captain, with McGrath telling Essendon Media why Fiorini has been widely appreciated by the players.
"Brayden Fiorini's come in and made a massive impact on our group," McGrath said.
"His maturity and level-headedness and the way we communicates on the field is something that stands out amongst his peers. He's been a delightful addition to our leadership group."
Fiorini featured in 18 matches for the Suns, including two finals, after starting the season in the VFL and working his way back into the AFL side.
The wingman recorded 25 or more disposals on four occasions in 2025, three of those coming against top four sides, highlighting the layer of class he can add to the Bombers' midfield depth, which was whittled down due to the club's injury crisis this year.
His leadership could be his most valuable asset to the young Bombers side; however, given that he was first named into Gold Coast's leadership in 2020, at age 22.
McGrath, who averaged 22.7 disposals per game in 2025, and was one of just four Bombers to play all 23 games this year, also spotlighted the presence of emerging young guns Sam Durham and Jye Caldwell in the leadership group.
"I'm really excited by the new additions in Sam and Jye, our younger leaders," McGrath said.
"Their actions speak louder than words on the field; the standards they uplift around the place is second to none.
"They're very similar in personalities, and they're a bull out of a gate when it comes to the game, but they're really finding their voice and growing in that space."
Durham has shown his passion for the Dons on the field, taking a key role inside the Bombers' midfield, placing third in the Crichton Medal the last two seasons and winning the Bombers' most improved player award in 2024.
Caldwell also emerged as a genuine star in 2024 but battled persistent injuries in 2025, which held him to just 11 games.
But with the greater roles next to their names, it's obvious the 24 and 25-year-olds are bought into the Bombers' future, and will look to provide the club with elite midfield intensity next year.
"2025 is not what we wanted or expected. We were dealt a whole range of challenges, from injury to performance," McGrath said.
"We had a lot of change internally and externally. We're working extremely hard to be the team we want our members to support.
"In 2026, we're going to get after it."
