Gold Coast forward Ben Ainsworth is reportedly weighing up a potential exit from the Suns, despite penning a four-year extension with the club last year.
As reported by AFL Media's Callum Twomey, Ainsworth is exploring external club interest, with rivals aware of his decision to do so.
Carlton have emerged as an early contender to pursue the 27-year-old, according to SEN's Sam Edmund, stating that the Blues are "eager to add runners and finishers to their list".
Edmund reported that several clubs have interest in Ainsworth's talent, but Carlton appear to be the early favourite.
CARLTON is among the clubs with some interest in Gold Coast's Ben Ainsworth.
The Suns goalkicker is on the market, despite having three years remaining on a contract.
And the Blues have emerged as one of the early contenders for Ainsworth’s signature, eager to add runners and…— Sam Edmund (@Sammy__Edmund) October 5, 2025
Ainsworth is yet another member of the Suns to explore trade interest this off-season, with midfielder Sam Flanders and Connor Budarick requesting trades to St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs respectively, while the promising youngster Bailey Humphrey has fielded high levels of interest from Victorian clubs.
Forward Malcolm Rosas Jnr, who featured in just four senior games for the Suns this season, is set to join Sydney in the trade period as well, with the Swan's third-round draft selection, Pick 50, expected to be a central element of the deal.
Ainsworth ninth season at the Suns was a solid one, featuring in a personal-best 24 games and kicking 23 goals in 2025, two off his career best. His role as a target inside 50 fluctuated, kicking multiple goals on seven occasions but also going scoreless five times.
