In the lead-up to the 2016 National Draft, much was made in the media of Ben Ainsworth’s desire to relocate to the Brisbane Lions if they were to select him with the third pick in Friday night’s draft.

Despite the speculation, the 18-year-old was “stoked” at being selected by the SUNS with pick No. 4 and is welcoming of the challenge of relocating to Southeast Queensland and beginning a new life on the Gold Coast alongside one of his best friends in Will Brodie.

“A new challenge in life is one that I’m willing to take on board, especially when you’re being drafted with one of your good mates and especially with a couple of other players through the AFL Academy. It’s a wonderful experience,” Ainsworth told SUNS TV on Saturday in Sydney.

“I guess I like a challenge. I’m a pretty competitive lad as well as moving in with a couple of mates and getting to know one another at the club.”

Vic Country teammates Ainsworth and Brodie are renowned for being fiercely competitive and motivated and SUNS coach Rodney Eade has already pulled the pair aside to ensure they don’t push themselves too hard in the pre-Christmas period as they commence pre-season training at Metricon Stadium.

“He (Eade) did pull myself and Will Brodie aside and basically said you’re more than welcome to ask question after question,” Ainsworth said.

“He knows that we’re pretty driven characters so it’s about not overloading as much and getting the most out of ourselves in the first couple of weeks.”