The close friendship shared between the SUNS’ 2016 draft crop is certain to ease their transition to the Gold Coast, says No. 4 pick Ben Ainsworth.
Ainsworth, Jack Scrimshaw, Will Brodie, Jack Bowes and Brad Scheer have all been members of the NAB AFL Academy since 2014 and subsequently established strong friendships over the past three years.
“When the Gold Coast SUNS read my name out I was stoked,” Ainsworth told SUNS TV.
“To be picked with a few of your good mates from the national academy it’s pretty surreal and I can’t wait to get started.”
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For the Gippsland Power captain, his Vic Country counterpart Will Brodie has played a huge part in his own personal development with the pair now best mates through their footballing journey.
Together, they’ll make the move north from Victoria over the weekend as the first chapter of their story at the top level begins.
“We started at schoolboys together in Under 15s and progressed through to the representative footy along with Vic Country as well,” Ainsworth said.
“So it’s been a whirlwind experience over the last couple of years but he’s been really good for my development as a person and as a player.”
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Ainsworth describes himself as a ‘dynamic small forward’ and is excited about the prospect of playing at the feet of 2016 All Australian Tom Lynch and emerging key forward Peter Wright.
“It’s exciting. I’ve got that question a fair bit tonight and I guess the talent that they hold and the calibre they’re capable of is unreal and can’t wait to get started,” Ainsworth said.
Pick 4
Ben Ainsworth
Height: 179cm
Weight: 74kg
Junior Club: Gippsland Power
