BEN Ainsworth provided some gold.
Speaking the day after Carlton’s enthralling win over Geelong, Ainsworth joined the Saturday Rub on Triple M to speak about not only his start to life in Navy Blue, but also a sneak peek behind the scenes at IKON Park.
In particular, an apparent love-hate relationship with a former opponent turned teammate which he firmly believes was a “one-way street”.
There was also the Friday night feeling “like nothing I’ve ever experienced”, as well as his unorthodox measure to keep himself accountable on game day.
This is the world according to ‘Banger’.
First order of business - the origins of his nickname
“Darcy Macpherson and I were playing PlayStation one day with a few of the Gold Coast boys early days. Darcy just called me ‘Banger’ - everyone lost it. It’s been that since.”
The love-hate relationship with Will Hayward, dating back to their draft year:
“I think it’s a one-way street, because I didn’t mind Wilbur but I think he hated me. That was a bit how ya going.
“He’s an unbelievable fella, Wilbur. He’s been performing really well on the track for the last month, I love playing with him. He brings a lot of defensive effort plus he’s got the finish as well: he’s a ripper.”
His best experience yet of the Carlton crowd:
“It was like nothing I’ve ever experienced: 60,000 at the MCG on a Friday night, it was absolutely rocking there in the last quarter. We all owe ‘Richter’ [Patrick Cripps] a few beers after his effort in the last quarter.”
The message he received on Friday night from a big Carlton fan:
“That was the father-in-law. He sent me a message with a few expletives in there, he was rapt… I think he had a few.”
His love of an on-field stoush:
“I’ve been having this conversation with a few of the lads. It keeps me accountable, to be honest. If I’m going pretty average, I’ll go and start a scuffle and get on the chirp - it’s all a bit of fun.”
His first impressions of emerging Blue, Jack Ison:
“Ever since he walked in the door, I’ve gone ‘That’s one of the best kicks I’ve ever seen’. He does some freakish stuff. He’s played three games… and he’s undefeated, mind you.”
His Saturday afternoon the day after the game:
“I might head back to Morwell, but [Saturday] I might head to the pub and have a parma and a Coke Zero… well, maybe a beer.”
