Ben Ainsworth Biography

After signing a four-year deal to stay with Gold Coast, Ben Ainsworth says he couldn't see himself playing in any other colours.

"I've been here through all the hard times and now (it's time) to try and have some success over the next four or five years," Ainsworth said on Monday.

"I always had Gold Coast at heart. I tried seeing myself in other colours and I was like, I just can't.

"To be able to stay at Gold Coast and hopefully play out my career here is something I'll cherish forever."

As he prepares to play his 100th game, Ben Ainsworth admits there was a time not that long ago he was given games based on his talent alone. However, since being dropped midway through the 2021 season, Ainsworth has transformed himself into one of the Suns' hardest workers and one of their best players.

"I think it was the best thing for me in hindsight because it made me realise I just can't go out there and dawdle around every week, I actually had to go out there and perform and not just rely on my talents," he said.

"A lot of hard work was put in over the last year or so and I'm reaping the rewards now."

Ben Ainsworth signs a two-year contract extension to remain with Gold Coast until the end of 2024 when he will become a free agent.

"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. I know this group is committed to bringing success to the Gold Coast," he said.

Ben Ainsworth is set to miss six weeks after undergoing foot surgery to repair a small break to his third metatarsal in his foot that he suffered against Geelong.

Ben Ainsworth is set to miss up to six weeks after injuring his medial ligament against St Kilda.

Ben Ainsworth is the round 22 NAB AFL Rising Star nominee.

Ainsworth's nomination comes after a couple of challenging seasons at lower levels punctuated by injury and suspension.

"My bottom-age year in 2015 was all bright, then the following year not so much, with getting injured and a few other incidents as well," Ainsworth said.

"It probably wasn't the most pleasing year last year, and I learned a lot about myself in terms of how I deal with adversity, so it was good and a blessing in disguise in some ways.

"But I think I've come out the better end of that and learned from, I wouldn't call them mistakes, but just the challenges I've faced over the last couple of years."

Ben Ainsworth makes his AFL debut for Gold Coast with 14 disposals (8 kicks and 6 handballs), 4 marks, 6 tackles and 2 goals in a 2-point loss to Brisbane.

In an unprecedented move, Gold Coast has locked away its four top-10 picks from last year's NAB AFL Draft until the end of 2020.

Ben Ainsworth (number four selection), Will Brodie (seven), Jack Scrimshaw (nine) and Jack Bowes (10) each added two years to their initial deal in a coup for the club.

"From the moment we were drafted, the club and the players have been sensational, so it’s no surprise we all have jumped at the chance to extend our contracts to four years," Ainsworth said.

"The four of us have a close bond and we are rapt to make this statement together. We simply don’t want to be anywhere else. The Gold Coast is home."

Ben Ainsworth says he's happy to have been drafted by Gold Coast despite saying the Brisbane Lions were his preferred new home.

"The media does blow things up a little bit I guess, but I'm happy where I am now and humbled and very grateful for the opportunity the Suns have given me," Ainsworth said.

"(I'm) stoked. I couldn't think of a better opportunity and just can't wait to get to the club and meet everyone and gain the respect of both the staff and the players."

Gold Coast select Ben Ainsworth with pick No.4 in the 2016 National Draft.

"I think if it had of gone a different way up at number one Ben wouldn’t have been available," Gold Coast list manager Scott Clayton said.

"He’s very high quality, he’s got ballistic speed, he’s a natural goal kicker, he’s really driven and ambitious and really happy to come and wants to get there so good result."

Top-10 draft prospect Ben Ainsworth says the chance to play senior footy in 2017 and reunite with underage teammates Josh Schache and Sam Skinner are the main reasons behind his desire to join the Brisbane Lions.

"Getting an opportunity to play at the highest level is definitely the thing that comes to my mind, and that's why I did say I'd like to go to Brisbane," he said.

"I think they're developing a pretty good culture at Brisbane and I think there's good things ahead for the club.

"I know (Lions players) Josh Schache and Sam Skinner from Gippsland Power, too.

"But wherever I get an opportunity it doesn't really bother me, I just want to take it with both hands."