A week after securing their futures at Metricon Stadium until the end of 2020, 19-year-olds Ben Ainsworth and Jack Bowes will make their AFL debuts this Saturday night against the Brisbane Lions.
Coach Rodney Eade delivered the good news to the duo earlier this week, advising Ainsworth and Bowes they would play their first AFL games in QClash 13.
Ainsworth was selected with pick No. 4 in last year’s National Draft and played all three games for the SUNS in the JLT Community Series, booting four goals. A threat both overhead and at ground level, the Morwell product knows where the goals are and will be dangerous with Tom Lynch, Peter Wright, Gary Ablett and Jack Martin around him in Gold Coast’s forward line.
Bowes, hailing from Cairns in Far North Queensland, is a graduate of Gold Coast’s Academy and SUNS fans have been waiting for this day for years.
WATCH: Jack Bowes – Road to the Draft
Highly skilled and composed with Sherrin in hand, Bowes will play a role off half-back against the Lions. In the SUNS’ final JLT game, the Queenslander collected 11 disposals at 91% efficiency and is earmarked to play a big role in the club’s future.
The full round one team will be announced on goldcoastfc.com.au at 5.25pm on Thursday.
Draftees named for AFL debuts
Coach Rodney Eade has confirmed two draftees will make their AFL debuts in round one against Brisbane.
