Ainsworth always the hungry hunter
BEN Ainsworth craves the big moments.
Unlike some young players who would prefer the responsibility to kick the big goal fall on the shoulders of senior players, in just nine senior games Ainsworth has revealed himself as a player who wants the ball in his hands.
In the past two weeks the Suns’ top pick in last year’s draft has kicked goals none of his teammates appeared capable of. Against Collingwood it was a set shot in heavy rain that broke a run of five consecutive misses from both sides.
In Cairns on Saturday he threatened to steal the game from the Bulldogs with a blistering third quarter.
After missing a set-shot from 45m with a stiff southerly blowing across his body he showed he was a quick leaner by nailing one on the run from the same spot moments later.
His next goal was all class, a checkside from deep in the forward pocket.
“Something you always dream of is standing up in big moments and putting the score on the board,’’ he said.
“Wanting that opportunity comes naturally to me and I think if you keep working on your craft those things will come off.’’ There is another trait that separates Ainsworth from many draftees which points to his competitiveness.
While many young players are so happy to be in the AFL that results in their first year don’t tend to hurt them as much, Ainsworth can’t get any satisfaction from a loss.
“I am a pretty competitive person and hopefully we can finish the season strongly and get a few more wins,’’ he said.