GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MAY 11: Ben Ainsworth of the Suns kicks a goal during the round eight AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Melbourne Demons at Metricon Stadium on May 11, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Jono Searle/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

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.

“I love this footy club, our footy club, and I know this playing group is committed to ensuring that the path we’re on is centred around bringing success to the Gold Coast,” Ainsworth told 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.

“The football program that has been established provides us as players with every opportunity to continue to grow both on and off the field and I’m excited by the opportunity to develop as part of it," Ainsworth said.

“We’ve 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.”

BEN AINSWORTH
Forward
Gold Coast
2022 SEASON AVG
16
Disposals
5.8
Marks
1.1
Goals

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.

“Ben 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,” Cameron said.

“We’re thrilled to have Ben continue his journey with us, as we strive to bring success to the Gold Coast.”

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.