AFL free agent Ben Ainsworth stays at Gold Coast as Suns sign former BBL Melbourne Renegade fast bowler Zak Evans
Gold Coast forward Ben Ainsworth has turned his back on free agency to re-sign until the end of 2028, declaring his ambition to reach a maiden finals campaign with the Suns.
Ainsworth was among the most in-demand free agents on the market this year, with several clubs expected to chase the dynamic forward who can also run through the midfield.
But the 26-year-old, who was the No.4 pick in the 2016 AFL draft, was determined to chase success under new coach Damien Hardwick and signed a four-year contract extension.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“I’m really excited to be continuing my career with the Suns into what I believe will be a successful period for the club,” Ainsworth said.
“I’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.
“The 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.”
Ainsworth suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in round 18 but will form a crucial part of Hardwick’s attack in future after kicking 114 goals in 134 games.
“Ben is reaching the peak of his career and we are pleased to extend him for another four years,” list boss Craig Cameron said.
“His progress this year, learning a new system, has been terrific and he will only become a more valuable player for us in the future.”
The Suns have also signed former Melbourne Renegades fast bowler Zak Evans as a category B rookie ahead of the 2025 AFL season.
Evans, 24, hadn’t played Australian rules football since he was at school in 2018, due to focusing on cricket.
The 24-year-old attracted attention from multiple AFL clubs this year but opted to join the Suns.
Evans played 10 BBL games for the Renegades, with best bowling figures of 5-33 between 2020 and 2022.
He represented Australia at under-19s level and also played for Victoria.
“Our recruiting team scouted Zak when he was playing school football in 2018 and believed he possessed attributes which aligned to playing at AFL level,” national recruiting manager Kal Burns said.
“We are pleased Zak chose to join our club and commit to the journey our players and staff are on, and we’re excited to see what Zak can achieve with our group.”
