While Round 11 was a tough night for Gold Coast, a positive note to come out of the match against Geelong was the performance of 2nd-year player Ben Ainsworth.

Ainsworth was solid in the midfield once again on Saturday night, collecting 20 disposals, five marks and three tackles. 

In doing so, the 20-year-old has maintained his career-best patch of form, registering at least 19 disposals in every match since the round 7 clash against the Bulldogs.

For Ainsworth, being trusted to take on three of the game’s best midfielders on Saturday night only reinforces the faith coach Stuart Dew holds in his young forward-turned-midfielder.

“It was a night for learning… off the best of Ablett, Dangerfield and Selwood and also just trying to make an impact on the ball,” Ainsworth told SUNS TV post-match.

“It’s obviously a great opportunity that Dewy’s given me and the midfield coaches and I’m just trying to do everything I can to maintain my spot, put some good form together and run out the season pretty well.” 

Ainsworth started the season as a small forward, but has slowly started to increase his time in the midfield each game to the point where he is now picking up 75% of his disposals in the middle of the ground.

If he’s given the same role this week, he’ll be coming up against a very polished Giants midfield unit including the likes of Dylan Shiel, Josh Kelly, Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio pending fitness.

But it’s just another opportunity for Ainsworth to stamp his authority on his new role.

“(They’re) obviously well-respected over the last couple of years and I’m looking forward to the challenge.”