DYNAMIC Gold Coast half forward Ben Ainsworth admits there was a time not that long ago he was given games based on his talent alone.

However, since being dropped midway through the 2021 season, Ainsworth has transformed himself into one of the Suns' hardest workers and one of their best players.

The 25-year-old will run out against St Kilda on Saturday night to play his 100th game, a completely different footballer from the one drafted at No.4 in 2016.

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Speaking on Tuesday following a light training session ahead of taking on the unbeaten Saints, Ainsworth said he'd learnt a lot in his six-plus years in the AFL.

"It was a bit of a reality check in 2021 when ‘Dewy’ dropped me to the twos," Ainsworth said.

"I think it was the best thing for me in hindsight because it made me realise I just can't go out there and dawdle around every week, I actually had to go out there and perform and not just rely on my talents.

"A lot of hard work was put in over the last year or so and I'm reaping the rewards now."

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Since re-entering the team in the back half of 2021, Ainsworth has played 34 consecutive games and turned himself into a power-running forward that can turn the game with ball in hand and impact it defensively at the same time.

Last season he kicked 25 goals and finished third in the competition for goal assists, with 25.

He is the only top-10 draft pick still at the Suns from their 2016 haul after the departures of Jack Scrimshaw, Will Brodie and Jack Bowes, saying he's confident success will come.

Ainsworth was again impactful in Gold Coast’s win over Geelong on Sunday with 16 disposals, five score involvements and 13 pressure acts.

"Over the first two weeks we were a little bit down on pressure and it's been a sole focus for us the last couple of weeks.

"As small forwards it's a major part of our game we need to bring week in and week out."