Blues recruit Ben Ainsworth admits it was a hard call to leave the Suns after their rise from the doldrums to flag contention.
But Ainsworth “couldn’t be happier” at Carlton as he settles into life at his second club.
Ainsworth crossed to the Blues during the trade period after playing his entire nine-year AFL career at Gold Coast previously.
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The former No. 4 pick endured the tough times up north, including bottom two finishes in his first three seasons, before the Suns finally broke their finals drought under Damien Hardwick last year.
So to leave the club right when it’d finally surged up the ladder was a tricky decision.
“Yeah it was (hard). But at the same time I couldn’t be happier with where I am at the moment in Carlton colours,” Ainsworth told foxfooty.com.au in the rooms after last Thursday night’s win over Richmond.
“Obviously no hard feelings for the Gold Coast Suns, I loved my time there over nine years.
“‘Dimma’ (Hardwick) was a very good operator, as is ‘Vossy’ (Michael Voss). Pretty lucky to play under two very good coaches.”
Ainsworth’s trade to Carlton was a whirlwind.
Despite playing 24 games for the Suns last year, he saw the writing on the wall at his exit meeting, leading to his desire for more “opportunity” back home in Victoria.
There were a couple of clubs interested in the dynamic forward but the 28-year old had already been in talks with the Blues after meeting with the club.
“It all happened pretty quickly, to be fair,” the 160-gamer said when reflecting on the trade.
“We had our exit meetings and everything sort of fell from there. It was mostly around opportunity and where they see the Suns line-up.
“But couldn’t be happier now. Coming here with Will Hayward and Ollie Florent always helps, they were actually in my draft year.
“Everyone is really good blokes so can’t really complain and I’m loving my time here. Especially through pre-season, everyone has been really welcoming.
“Footy clubs are pretty similar. Everyone is trying to do the same thing, win a flag. All the foundations are pretty much the same.”
Ainsworth arrived at Ikon Park along with Hayward, Florent, Campbell Chesser and Liam Reidy in a major list overhaul as stalwarts Charlie Curnow, Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni departed.
The ex-Sun enjoyed his first win in Carlton colours over Richmond along with several other of those new recruits.
While Ainsworth didn’t have as much impact as in his Blues debut — when he kicked two goals from 14 disposals against Sydney in Opening Round — he described playing in the traditional Round 1 opener at the MCG as a dream come true.
“Pretty average out there tonight, just running patterns. But to play on the ‘G on a night like tonight is something you always dreamt of as a kid,” he said.
“Playing juniors I always looked forward to the first game of the season between Carlton and Richmond on a Thursday night.
“To be involved in it is pretty special.”
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