SNAPSHOT: “A powerful prospect with dangerous attributes who has made significant progress in the later years of his junior footballing journey to enter the draft conversation.” – Adrian Dixon

Another product to come out of the Williamstown juniors program, Oskar Ainsworth is an exciting dual-position threat who is known for his athletic traits. In particular, his aerial ability and his strength when it comes to competing one-on-one come with incredible power. 

Starting his footballing journey in the Western Football Netball League at eight-years-old, Ainsworth would take a few years off before making a return in 2018. With his high level basketball commitments taking priority, Ainsworth didn’t manage any selection in junior representative squads for footy. However after a strong Under 16 season with Williamstown juniors, he would eventually receive an invite to train with the Western Jets where he made the Under 18 squad for 2024.

Debuting for the Jets in Round 1 of 2024, Ainsworth put in a strong showing. Whether playing as a forward or in midfield, he would continue to show consistency and top attributes, capturing the attention of the recruiters who knew little about him heading into the season. His better performances that season came in both games against the Oakleigh Chargers, along with the last game of the regular season against the Calder Cannons. Ainsworth’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed, with selection for the Victorian Under 17 trial game against Queensland. 

Following on from his breakout bottom-age campaign, Ainsworth spent the preseason with his local VFL club and Western’s traditional alignment in Williamstown. He began season 2025 steadily with performances behind the ball and in the midfield. Despite aspirations to be drafted, Ainsworth found himself outside of the final Vic Metro squad for the championships.

Then a positional switch occurred, with Ainsworth being sent to the forwardline in a move that better reflected his skillset and the impact was instantaneous. Starting with two goals against the Gippsland Power, Ainsworth then exploded a week later against the Calder Cannons, marking everything up forward as the Jets had an upset win at home.

A fortnight later, this was backed up by a five-goal performance against the Bendigo Pioneers away. As a result, he earned selection for Vic Metro’s final two games of the championships where he hit the scoreboard in both outings.

Returning to Western colours, Ainsworth would suffer an injury in the second-to-last game of the season, missing what turned out to be the Jets’ remaining two matches. However, another highlight that popped up from his season, was a freak goal from the boundary while playing for his school Westbourne Grammar under the lights at North Port Oval. Ainsworth also recently participated in the recent National Draft Combine.

Ainsworth models his game on Geelong superstar Patrick Dangerfield, having been a mad Cats supporter all his life – his grandfather Geoff captained the club in the 1970s. Other players that Ainsworth has drawn comparisons to as a midfielder or a medium forward have included the likes of Melbourne’s Jake Melksham and recent Carlton acquisition Will Hayward.

Click the ANALYSIS tab for more