Carlton recruit Ben Ainsworth is excited by the "unstructured role" at the Blues following his move from Gold Coast.
Last week, Ainsworth was central to a three-club trade, which saw Corey Durdin head to Port Adelaide along with Carlton's 2026 second-round pick.
The Blues attained the former Sun and Pick 67, while the latter grabbed Pick 29.
The Victorian, who was drafted by Gold Coast in 2016 with Pick 4, was contracted until the end of 2028. Still, through talks with his manager, Robbie D'Orazio at Connors Sports Management, a new opportunity beckoned.
Flair in the forward half 🔥
Watch the best of one of our new recruits, small forward Ben Ainsworth!
— Carlton FC (@CarltonFC) October 10, 2025
"I absolutely could have stayed, but when you hear in the background they say to explore your options, you wonder, and you get moving on what is the best for myself and my family," Ainsworth said on AFL Trade Radio.
"I loved my time under Dimma (Damien Hardwick), but it was time for a new scenery.
"I am disappointed there was no opportunity to get the unfinished business at the Suns, but I am excited to be at the Blues now and help turn them around."
The Blues pitched a different role for the 27-year-old, which played a pivotal role in his return to Victoria.
"The opportunity to play a more unstructured role at Carlton was really appealing to me," Ainsworth said.
"I think I see myself as a player that gets up and down the ground, and has an impact, kicks goals and helps set them up. Carlton has expressed that that's the way they want me to play."
Ainsworth will reunite with Carlton leaders Jacob Weitering and Harry McKay, who played together during their draft years.
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McKay and Ainsworth were Gippsland Power stars, while all three featured in Vic Country's 2015 side.
The former Pick 4 says he is likely to take over his contract to Ikon Park.
He will walk through the doors along with Campbell Chesser (West Coast) and Liam Reidy (Fremantle).
