Port Adelaide has reportedly entered the competition to sign Gold Coast Suns free agent Ben Ainsworth, who is considering his future in Queensland despite having an offer from the Suns.
Ainsworth is one of the remaining five restricted free agents for 2024, along with Patrick Dangerfield, Jarrod Berry, Tim English, and Cameron Zurhaar. This pool has recently shrunk due to long-term contract extensions signed by Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane), Blake Hardwick (Hawthorn), and Will Hayward (Sydney).
Hayward’s decision to stay with Sydney has likely increased interest in Ainsworth, given several clubs are looking to strengthen their attacking options. The Suns have offered Ainsworth a four-year contract, but he has yet to make a decision.
According to Cal Twomey of AFL.com.au, Port Adelaide, alongside Essendon, has shown interest in Ainsworth. Twomey mentioned on Gettable that Ainsworth is being considered by clubs looking for small forwards in the free agent market.
If the Suns lose Ainsworth to free agency, his departure could help them pursue top Suns Academy prospect Leondardo Lombard in the National Draft, especially with potential changes to the draft system making access to priority prospects more challenging.
As a restricted free agent, the Suns can match any rival’s offer and force a trade. Port Adelaide’s interest in Ainsworth aligns with their strategy to bolster their small forward options, complementing their strong group of tall forwards. The Power have seen success with Darcy Byrne-Jones and Willie Rioli but are seeking additional ground-level goal threats, particularly with Sam Powell-Pepper sidelined for most of the next 12 months. Acquiring Ainsworth as a free agent would be advantageous for Port Adelaide, given their lack of a first-round pick for this year’s draft after trading it to Fremantle in 2023.
