“WHAT I can say right now is I’m loving my time at the Carlton Footy Club.”

When Ben Ainsworth made the switch from Gold Coast to Carlton in last year’s trade period, there was no way of knowing what the future would hold.

He played his first two finals last year in game Nos.157 and 158, before making the shift to the Blues for a second-round draft pick.

From there, just as he does on the football field, Ainsworth has refused to look back.

Readying himself for another final on Friday night in front of sold-out MCG crowd, the excitement is palpable at IKON Park for Ainsworth and the Blues.

“I don’t think I could’ve foreseen what was on the weekend, with 92,000 at the ‘G and playing in a wildcard final - it’s something I’ll remember forever.

“I’m just happy to be out there playing finals football to be honest.

“It’s incredible, like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. Hopefully we do it all again on Friday night.”

Ainsworth has been as consistent as they come in his first season in Navy Blue, producing a career-best 29 goals as well as equalling his career-high for disposals.

Hitting the 20 disposals and three goals marker in each of his last two games, Ainsworth is full of the belief that is rife throughout the playing group.

“‘Frase’ has done a fantastic job instilling that belief within the four walls, it’s feeding out to us on the field when we’re playing.

“We were down by four goals before quarter time on the weekend, but we still had great belief that we were able to compete in the game and be able to get the win.

“It was an unbelievable experience, to win with Carlton on the MCG and to be able to go again against the Cats on Friday night. We’re going to have to be at our very best.”