For a club with a famously terrible ability to retain their players, the Gold Coast Suns have been on a pronounced signing spree - their latest addition coming in the form of industrious small forward, Ben Ainsworth.
Ainsworth has signed on until the end of 2024, joining Ben King in making a statement to the club, as eyes now turn to the elusive signatures of Izak Rankine and Jack Lukosius.
โI love this footy club, our footy club, and I know this playing group is committed to ensuring that the path weโre on is centred around bringing success to the Gold Coast,โ Ainsworth toldย goldcoastfc.com.au.
Ainsworth has played 80 games since being drafted at pick 4 in the 2016 National Draft, in a career impinged by injuries to both his knee and foot.
In the last two seasons, the country Victorian has found consistency as a small forward and has played every game so far this season. In the Suns' loss to the Lions last weekend, Ainsworth was one of Gold Coast's best, with 22 touches, 8 marks and a goal.
โThe football program that has been established provides us as players with every opportunity to continue to grow both on and off the field and Iโm excited by the opportunity to develop as part of it," Ainsworth said.
โWeโve come a long way as a club in my six seasons and I want to ensure I continue to help lead us into the next part of our journey.โ
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General Manager of the Player List and Strategy, Craig Cameron, told the Suns' website that Ainsworth has been integral to establishing a healthy culture on the Gold Coast.
โBen has worked tirelessly since joining the club to establish himself as a player at the AFL level but also to help set the foundations of our football club,โ Cameron said.
โWeโre thrilled to have Ben continue his journey with us, as we strive to bring success to the Gold Coast.โ
The Suns play Collingwood this Sunday afternoon at the MCG in a clash that looms as a must-win if the club is to keep in touch with the top eight.
