ben ainsworth

Ben Ainsworth's Future: Victorian Clubs Eye Gold Coast Suns Forward

The rumour mill is spinning as the AFL trade period heats up, and one name consistently popping up is Ben Ainsworth of the Gold Coast Suns. With a buzz volume of around 1000, it's clear that Aussie Rules fans are keen to know where Ainsworth will be playing his footy in the future. Several Victorian clubs are reportedly showing interest in securing the contracted Sun, sparking speculation about a potential move. Let's dive into the details and examine what's happening with Ainsworth's AFL career.

Recent Updates: Ainsworth Attracting Victorian Interest

Recent reports indicate that multiple Victorian clubs are vying for Ben Ainsworth's services. Zero Hanger, a reputable source for AFL trade news, has reported that a Victorian club has emerged as a contender for the contracted Sun. Further reports suggest that another Victorian club has "renewed" its interest in the Suns forward. These reports indicate a growing interest in Ainsworth, suggesting that clubs see him as a valuable addition to their squads.

The Gold Coast Suns have confirmed that they are in talks with a Victorian club regarding Ainsworth. This confirmation adds weight to the speculation and suggests that a potential trade is being seriously considered. While the specific clubs involved haven't been officially named, the fact that discussions are underway indicates a significant development in Ainsworth's future.

Ainsworth's Journey: From Rising Star to Key Forward

Ben Ainsworth has been a prominent figure at the Gold Coast Suns since being drafted in 2016. His career highlights include receiving a Rising Star nomination in 2017, showcasing his early potential and impact on the field.

Ainsworth has demonstrated commitment to the Suns in the past. He signed a contract extension, declaring his ambition to reach a maiden finals campaign with the club. This commitment highlights his dedication to the Gold Coast Suns and his desire to contribute to their success.

Before the 2020 season, Ainsworth was primed for a big year, having been a standout performer throughout the pre-season. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 shutdown disrupted the season, but Ainsworth used the time to research and improve his game.

Contextual Background: Gold Coast's Player Movement and Trade Dynamics

The Gold Coast Suns have faced challenges in retaining players, with several seeking opportunities elsewhere. This trend makes the potential trade of Ben Ainsworth part of a larger narrative of player movement within the club.

Sam Flanders and Bailey Humphrey, both linked to Victorian clubs, highlight the broader interest in Gold Coast players. These rumours, circulating since mid-season, suggest that Victorian clubs are actively targeting talent from the Suns.

Ainsworth's decision to re-sign with the Suns until the end of 2028, turning down rival offers, underscores his commitment to the club. This decision, made after genuinely weighing up other options, highlights his belief in the Suns' future.

Immediate Effects: Speculation and Potential List Changes

The immediate effect of these trade rumours is increased speculation among fans and analysts. The potential departure of Ainsworth would necessitate list management adjustments for the Gold Coast Suns.

Other trade developments, such as the St Kilda Football Club backflipping on Leek Aleer while securing Liam Ryan, demonstrate the dynamic nature of the trade period. These moves highlight the strategic decisions clubs make to strengthen their lists.

Future Outlook: Potential Outcomes and Strategic Implications

Several potential outcomes exist regarding Ben Ainsworth's future. He could remain with the Gold Coast Suns, honouring his contract and continuing his career with the club. Alternatively, he could be traded to a Victorian club, providing him with a fresh start and a new environment.

If Ainsworth is traded, it would have significant implications for both the Gold Coast Suns and the acquiring club. The Suns would need to find a replacement for his forward line contribution, while the acquiring club would gain a talented player with the potential to impact their team's performance.

The strategic implications for the Gold Coast Suns involve potentially acquiring draft picks or other players in exchange for Ainsworth. This could allow them to rebuild their list and address other areas of need.

Other AFL Trade News

The AFL trade period is always a flurry of activity, and there's plenty more happening beyond the Ainsworth situation.

• St Kilda's Trade Moves: The Saints made headlines by initially pursuing Leek Aleer, only to then secure Liam Ryan.
• Victorian Club Interest: Several Victorian clubs are actively seeking to bolster their squads during this trade window.
• Charlie Curnow Bidding War: Geelong created a potential bidding war with Sydney for Charlie Curnow.

Ben Ainsworth: More Than Just a Footballer

Beyond his on-field achievements, it's worth noting some interesting facts about Ben Ainsworth. During the COVID-19 shutdown, he dedicated time to studying and refining his football skills, showcasing his commitment to improvement.

Ainsworth's Continued Commitment

Ben Ainsworth is committed to the Gold Coast SUNS until at least the end of 2024. After being one of the standouts throughout the pre-season, Ben Ainsworth was primed for a big year in 2020.

Conclusion: Ainsworth's Next Chapter

The future of Ben Ainsworth remains uncertain as the AFL trade period progresses. The interest from Victorian clubs and the ongoing discussions suggest a potential move is on the cards. Whether he stays with the Gold Coast Suns or embarks on a new chapter with a Victorian team, Ainsworth's next move will be closely watched by AFL fans across Australia.