Sam Ainsworth Draft Profile

NorwoodRuck Forward

#40

Sam Ainsworth

height: 198cm

weight:

D.O.B: 12-08-2007

Leagues: AFL U18 Championships

Snapshot
Analysis
Summary

SNAPSHOT: “A competitive ruckman who stays engaged at ground level with strong follow-up work.” – Michael Alvaro

2025 has been somewhat of a whirlwind for Sam Ainsworth. The Norwood prospect only played four bottom-age games in the SANFL Under 18s last year, spending most of the season turning out for Tea Tree Gully. He harboured hopes of a state call-up in his top-age campaign having seen Ned Bowman do so before being drafted in 2024, though Ainsworth had never made a state squad to that point.

Fast forward to preseason and Ainsworth was looking to nail down a spot in the Redlegs’ backline. Though, a teammate’s injury presented the opportunity for him to instead ply his trade in the ruck – again, something he had never done before. Ainsworth took it all in his stride, performing well in the early stages of season proper and developing into a genuine revelation.

Almost as if he had manifested it, Ainsworth’s form caught the eye of state selectors and he would soon become South Australia’s first choice ruckman. Continuing to learn on the go, he earned All-Australian honours as the Croweaters took out the Under 18 title undefeated. Upon returning to Norwood, it only took the big man two more Under 18 games to earn a senior call-up.

Ainsworth ended up playing five Reserves games for Norwood, again showcasing his versatility with more time as a deep forward. He impacted the scoreboard in each outing, including three consecutive three-goal hauls for a total tally of 11 majors. While the Redlegs missed out on a finals berth, Ainsworth went on to attend the National Draft Combine, capping off a roaringly successful year.

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STRENGTHS:

+ Competitiveness
+ Contested marking
+ Follow-up work
+ Rate of improvement
+ Strength
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Forward craft
- Rawness

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of Ainsworth's year has been his rate of improvement. From a relative unknown in preseason, his chance position change sparked a rapid rise. The big man transformed his game by learning on the go, stepping up into the state squad to compete against the best of his peers and being named All-Australian. He maintained his upward trend upon entering Norwood's Reserves setup, again in a different role up forward.

Part of what makes Ainsworth such an effective key position player is his competitiveness. His background as an intercept defender meant he was always accustomed to leaping in packs and he maintained that trait as a ruck-forward. Ainsworth has also proven his ability to impact outside the aerial realm. His follow-up work is completed with great energy and aggression, helping keep the big man engaged in the play past his initial efforts.

Ainsworth's production is quite strong as a result. He averaged 16.2 disposals, 4.6 clearances, and 20.9 hitouts per his nine SANFL Under 18 games this year. In his own words, he likes to get his hands on the ball. Ainsworth was also able to sustain his impact as a forward in the SANFL Reserves, posting a trio of three-goal hauls and never being held goalless. His marking ability was also on show, again down to his strength and aerial nous.

There is no questioning that on top of his steep improvement, Ainsworth's adaptability has been top notch. Seemingly without second thought, he has taken on each challenge thrown his way to not only be competitive, but thrive. Not many players can lay claim to being an All-Australian outside of their primary post, and Ainsworth's willingness to play in every key position post affords him a priceless amount of versatility.

Though, at 198cm, Ainsworth is arguably undersized in the ruck division. The issue being, that he played some of his best footy there this year to get noticed in the first place. His star turn as a deep forward later in the year would have impressed recruiters given he is still developing his craft there, thus alleviating some fears over how he might adapt to the AFL. He'll likely require a greater forward split than he had at state level.

There remains an element of rawness to Ainsworth's game. He looks comfortable in possession but sometimes runs into trouble or takes too long to dispose of the ball. That kind of decision making process can be easily refined in an elite environment. Ainsworth was also forced to learn on the go, so has plenty more tips and tricks to pick up. His endurance is another area he may look to enhance, allowing for greater impact outside the contest.

DRAFT RANGE: Late/Rookie

SUMMARY:

Recruiters will be buoyed by Ainsworth’s rate of improvement this year, and impressed with how he faced each challenge throughout. From an early-season positional switch to senior footy experience in the back-end, the 198cm prospect has adapted with aplomb each time. He possesses a strong frame and can hold his own physically, while also having the mongrel required of key position players. There is still a ways to go in terms of his development and craft, but Ainsworth’s steep ascent up the ranks should provide a window into how he could further progress in an elite environment. He obviously has garnered attention with All-Australian status, but will likely be an option later in the draft.