Several interstate clubs are eyeing Gold Coast restricted free agent Ben Ainsworth.
The Suns have extended a four-year contract to the Victorian, but Essendon and Port Adelaide have also emerged as contenders for the mid-forward, according to AFL Media’s Cal Twomey.
“He’s considering his options. Essendon is interested… but I can now reveal that Port Adelaide is also in the mix for Ben Ainsworth,” Twomey reported.
“They’re active in the free agent market and specifically looking for small forwards. It’s been apparent for a while that if Tyson Stengle leaves Geelong, it won’t be to return to South Australia, putting Ainsworth in the spotlight.”
The Power’s lack of a first-round draft pick makes free agents like Ainsworth particularly attractive, especially as the market narrows with the recent signings of Will Hayward, Blake Hardwick, and Hugh McCluggage.
As a restricted free agent, any offer Ainsworth receives can be matched by the Suns.
Under Damien Hardwick’s coaching, Ainsworth has scored 12 goals in 13 games, ranking 16th at his position in the AFL Player Ratings.
