Gold Coast forward Ben Ainsworth has turned his back on rival clubs, re-committing to the Suns for another four years.

Ainsworth was heavily linked to Essendon, who offered a five-year deal to lure him back to Victoria but has opted to remain loyal, staying in Queensland until the end of 2028.

The 26-year-old was initially taken with Pick 4 in the 2016 National Draft and is excited to see what the future holds.

โ€œI'm really excited to be continuing my career with the SUNS into what I believe will be a successful period for the club,โ€ Ainsworth said, according to the club.

โ€œI've loved my eight years here and can see the future success we are building towards. There's no way I wanted to miss out on that after all the hard work we've done as a group to get to this position.

โ€œThe responsibility is on us now to capitalise on the foundation we've built and become the first playing group to win finals for the Gold Coast.โ€

GC SUNS General Manager of Player Talent & Strategy Craig Cameron said the club was pleased to retain Ainsworth's services.

โ€œBen is reaching the peak of his career and we are pleased to extend him for another four years,โ€ Cameron said.

โ€œHis progress this year, learning a new system, has been terrific and he will only become a more valuable player for us in the future.โ€

Ainsworth was starting to put together a strong season before injuries his AC joint in the victory against Port Adelaide in Round 18.

 2024-07-27T06:35:00Z 
 
 
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The Victorian has been ruled out for the remainder of the year as the Suns look toward a first finals appearance in 2024.