Will Ashcroft: The Rise of a Brisbane Lions Superstar
In the competitive world of the Australian Football League (AFL), few young players have made an impact as immediate and profound as Will Ashcroft. Joining the Brisbane Lions as a father-son selection in the 2022 AFL draft, Ashcroft entered the league with high expectations. After the Lions matched North Melbourne's bid, he was accepted as Pick 2 and has since established himself as a cornerstone of the club's success, committing to the team until at least the end of the 2026 season.
A Promising Debut and Early Setbacks
Ashcroft's professional journey began in Round 1 against Port Adelaide, where he recorded 13 disposals and a goal. While the match ended in a 54-point defeat, his potential was evident. By Round 2, he exploded onto the scene with 31 disposals against Melbourne, earning a Rising Star nomination—an award given to the best young players in the league—and receiving widespread acclaim from the media and the AFL community.
However, his debut season was cut short in Round 19 when he suffered a ruptured ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) during a match against the Geelong Cats. This injury forced him to miss the 2023 finals series, a significant blow given he was the favorite for the Rising Star award. During his rehabilitation, Ashcroft shared his journey through his website, WASH Performance and Wellbeing.
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2023 Accolades
Despite the injury, Ashcroft's brilliance during the 2023 season was recognized. He won the Goal of the Year, announced at the Brownlow Medal ceremony. He also earned 10 Brownlow votes (the third-most for the Lions behind Joe Daniher and Lachie Neale) and was selected for the 2023 22under22 team.
The Path to Premiership Glory
Ashcroft returned to the field mid-way through the 2024 season, making his comeback in Round 16 against Melbourne. His return sparked a mid-season resurgence for the Lions, helping the team climb from a poor start to a fifth-place finish. This momentum carried into the finals, culminating in the 2024 premiership victory.
In the Grand Final, Ashcroft delivered a masterclass with 30 disposals and a goal, earning the Norm Smith Medal as the best player on the ground. At 20 years old, he became the youngest recipient of the award since Wayne Harmes won the inaugural medal in 1979, and the first Queenslander ever to win it.
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Continued Dominance in 2025
The 2025 season further cemented Ashcroft's legacy. On May 4, during QClash 28 against the Gold Coast Suns, he recorded 34 disposals, 17 contested possessions, and 9 clearances. His performance earned him the Marcus Ashcroft Medal, named after his father. He also secured his second consecutive 22under22 selection in August 2025.
Ashcroft played a pivotal role in the Lions securing back-to-back premierships in the 2025 Grand Final, sharing the victory with his brother, Levi. For the second consecutive year, he won the Norm Smith Medal, becoming one of only five players to win the award multiple times and one of only three to win it in consecutive years. Additionally, he received the Gary Ayres Award for the best player across the entire finals series, making him the youngest dual Norm Smith medallist in VFL/AFL history.
Key Facts
- Draft Status: Father-son selection, Pick 2 in the 2022 AFL draft.
- Historic Achievement: Youngest dual Norm Smith medallist in VFL/AFL history.
- Premierships: Member of the 2024 and 2025 Brisbane Lions premiership teams.
- Individual Awards: Two-time Norm Smith Medalist, 2025 Gary Ayres Award winner, and 2023 Goal of the Year.
- State Eligibility: Confirmed as tied to Queensland for State of Origin as of December 2025.
| Season/Year | Major Achievement/Award | Key Stat/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Goal of the Year & 22under22 | 10 Brownlow votes |
| 2024 | Premiership & Norm Smith Medal | 30 disposals in Grand Final |
| 2025 | Premiership, Norm Smith, & Gary Ayres Award | Youngest dual Norm Smith winner |
| 2025 | Marcus Ashcroft Medal | 34 disposals vs Gold Coast Suns |
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Will Ashcroft join the Brisbane Lions?
He joined as a father-son selection in the 2022 AFL draft. The Brisbane Lions matched a bid from North Melbourne to secure him as Pick 2.
What is the significance of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal?
The medal is awarded to the best player on ground in the QClash. It is named after Will's father, Marcus Ashcroft, in recognition of his contributions to both the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns.
Which records did Will Ashcroft break with the Norm Smith Medal?
He became the first Queenslander to win the medal (2024) and the youngest dual Norm Smith medallist in VFL/AFL history after winning it again in 2025.
How did Ashcroft handle his ACL injury in 2023?
After rupturing his ACL in Round 19, Ashcroft documented his recovery process through his personal website, WASH Performance and Wellbeing, before returning in Round 16 of the 2024 season.
What is the Gary Ayres Award?
The Gary Ayres Award is given to the player judged to be the best performer across the entire AFL finals series; Will Ashcroft won this award in 2025.