Just a handful of days into Ben Ainsworth’s time on the Gold Coast and the 18-year-old forward already feels right at home.

Ainsworth was selected by the SUNS with pick No. 4 in last Friday’s national draft in Sydney and has since been warmly welcomed into the Gold Coast family alongside his fellow draftees.

“The boys are pretty welcoming on the first day. They all gave us a warm welcome with heaps of boys in the locker room give us a clap and whatnot,” Ainsworth told 1116SEN.

“It definitely feels like we’re at home almost at the moment because the boys are so young and welcoming. There’s still a few little nerves here and there but I guess we’ll settle in in time.”

Since arriving on the Gold Coast, Ainsworth is soaking up as much information as he possibly can from his new teammates as he looks to earn their respect.

“Earning the respect of the players and staff first and foremost as well as concentrating on some good football and learning as much as possible off the likes of Gary Ablett, Aaron Hall and Cal Ah Chee who’s transitioned pretty well from his first year into his second year,” Ainsworth said.

“It’s just a learning environment at the moment and I’ll put my best foot forward to earn selection in round one.”