A trade between Carlton, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast has been finalised, with Suns forward Ben Ainsworth joining the Blues, who have parted with Corey Durdin.

Durdin has returned to his home state of South Australia in linking up with the Power, who have parted with Picks 29 and 67. The Power have received Carlton's 2026 second-round pick.

In attaining Ainsworth, the Blues have sent Durdin and that future selection to the Power, while the Suns have gained Pick 29 in exchange for Ainsworth.

“Ben has been an integral member of our club across the last nine seasons, and we have been open-minded to exploring what might be possible for Ben and his young family,” Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Player Talent and Strategy Craig Cameron said in a statement. 

“I'd like to take the opportunity to thank Ben for his contribution to the Gold Coast SUNS football club and we wish him, his partner Liv and young daughter Gracie all the best for what lies ahead.”

The deal sees a shuffling of Carlton's forward stocks, with Durdin making way for Ainsworth in the front half, giving the Blues a boost in experience.

It adds to a busy off-season for Carlton already, with Campbell Chesser, Liam Reidy, and Buku Khamis also expected to be donning the navy blue in 2026.

The Victorian club is also in talks with Geelong and Sydney over a blockbuster trade that could see Charlie Curnow depart in exchange for both players and picks.

“Ben fits the profile of player we have been going after this trade period, in both age and experience, with Ben to complement our emerging small forward group,” Blues list manager Nick Austin said after the trade.
 
 “His impact in the forward half speaks for itself. He's dynamic and exciting, smart around goals and with a natural forward craft who has shown a consistent ability to play his role week in and week out over a long period of time.
 
“With a ground-level ability that's a standout, his knack for finding space inside 50 and playing team-first football makes him a great addition to our forward group.
 
“Beyond that, Ben brings experience and leadership. He's been in the elite environment for several years and we've been impressed with his maturity. We believe he's got his best footy ahead of him, and we're excited to see the impact he can have in Navy Blue.
 
“Corey has been a well-liked member of the playing group since arriving at IKON Park, but we respect his desire to return home to South Australia to be closer to family. We appreciate all his dedication in the Navy Blue over the last few years and wish him all the best for the next chapter in his career.”

Port Adelaide has acquired their second player in the past week, having already signed Jacob Wehr from GWS via free agency.

The Power are also in line to attain Will Brodie from Fremantle prior to Wednesday's trade period deadline.

Gold Coast have arguably been the busiest club this player movement window, with Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan both expected to move to Carrara.

The Suns are tipped to bid farewell to Connor Budarick and Brayden Fiorini, adding to the exits of Sam Flanders and Ainsworth.