A FIERY JOURNEY OF CLASS: Will Ashcroft is the most talked-about name among the players selected for the AFL in 2022, after brilliantly fulfilling his dream of becoming a true professional footballer and his burning passion for football since childhood. He rose to become a top prospect in the AFL and continued his legend through a fortunate father-son connection with the Brisbane Lions!
From the sun-drenched fields of the Gold Coast to the roar of the Gabba crowd in Brisbane, Will Ashcroft’s story reads like a script written for greatness. Born on May 6, 2004, the young midfielder entered the world already steeped in Australian rules football royalty. His father, Marcus Ashcroft, a three-time premiership player with the Brisbane Bears/Lions, provided not just genes but a living blueprint of what elite football looks like. Yet Will’s journey has been anything but handed to him on a silver platter.
It has been forged through relentless passion, early sacrifice, and an unyielding drive that has seen him emerge as one of the AFL’s brightest stars.
Ashcroft’s love affair with football began at the tender age of six. While many children his age dabbled in multiple sports, Will quickly found his calling. Growing up on the Gold Coast, he excelled in swimming and athletics, even representing Queensland in those disciplines. He tried rugby, cricket, and other pursuits, but Australian rules football held a special grip on his heart. By age ten, the Gold Coast Suns had already identified his prodigious talent. That early recognition set the stage for a meteoric rise through the junior ranks.
The move to Victoria at age 14 for better development opportunities was a pivotal moment. Leaving behind the familiar warmth of Queensland tested his commitment, but Ashcroft thrived. He honed his craft at elite junior levels, displaying a maturity and skill set far beyond his years. His performances in the under-18 championships caught the eye of AFL scouts nationwide. In 2022, he was awarded the Larke Medal as the best player in the NAB League, further cementing his status as a top prospect.
The 2022 AFL Draft became a defining chapter. Nominated under the father-son rule for the Brisbane Lions—his father’s old club—Ashcroft became the most talked-about name of the draft pool. North Melbourne lodged a bid, but the Lions matched it at pick No. 2, securing their future star. This “fortunate father-son connection” was more than a rule; it was destiny aligning for a family deeply embedded in Lions lore. Marcus had been part of Brisbane’s historic three-peat in the early 2000s. Now, his son was poised to write the next chapter.
Ashcroft made his AFL debut in Round 1, 2023, against Port Adelaide. Collecting 13 disposals and kicking a goal in a heavy loss, the debut was modest but full of promise. Injuries, however, would test his resilience early. A serious knee injury in 2023—a ruptured ACL—sidelined him for the latter part of the season. Many young players might have faltered, but Ashcroft used the setback as fuel. His rehabilitation was meticulous, blending physical recovery with mental fortitude.
The return in 2024 was nothing short of spectacular. Ashcroft not only reclaimed his spot in the Lions’ midfield but elevated it. His poise under pressure, vision, and ability to win contested ball made him a linchpin in Brisbane’s premiership charge. In the 2024 Grand Final, he delivered a masterclass performance, earning the Norm Smith Medal as the best player on ground. At just 20 years old, he became the youngest Norm Smith medallist in AFL history. The fiery journey had reached its first major summit.
But Ashcroft was not done. In 2025, he backed up his breakout with even greater consistency. Brisbane claimed back-to-back premierships, and Ashcroft again shone brightest on the biggest stage, winning a second successive Norm Smith Medal. He joined an elite group as only the third player to achieve back-to-back Norm Smith honours. Additional accolades followed: the Gary Ayres Award, selection in the 22under22 team for the second time, and recognition as one of the competition’s most complete midfielders. His statistics told the story—averaging over 25 disposals per game across multiple seasons, with strong contributions in clearances, tackles, and scoring.
Off the field, Ashcroft’s story deepened with family. His younger brother Levi followed in his footsteps, also joining the Lions via the father-son rule. The Ashcroft brothers playing alongside each other for the club their father helped build created one of the most heartwarming narratives in modern AFL. Marcus, the proud patriarch, watched his sons contribute to the Lions’ dynasty. Will’s long-term commitment to Brisbane, signing extensions that keep him at the club until at least 2030, speaks volumes about loyalty and belonging.
Entering 2026, expectations were sky-high. Ashcroft started the season strongly, posting impressive disposal tallies and continuing to influence games with his trademark creativity. Goals from impossible angles, like the one that earned him Goal of the Year honours in previous seasons, continued to delight fans. Yet the midfielder remains refreshingly humble and hungry. In interviews, he has spoken of still being “nowhere near” where he wants to be as a player, leader, and person. That self-awareness and drive suggest even greater heights ahead.
What makes Ashcroft special is the blend of class and fire. His football IQ is elite—he reads the game like a veteran while possessing the explosiveness of youth. At 182cm and around 78kg, he is not the biggest midfielder, but his endurance, tackling pressure, and ability to accumulate possessions in tight contests set him apart. Coaches praise his curiosity and willingness to seek marginal gains, even travelling to places like Doha for specialized training.
The AFL world continues to buzz about him. From fantasy football dominance to debates about his trajectory toward becoming one of the league’s best, Ashcroft’s name dominates conversations. His journey resonates because it embodies the Australian dream: talent recognized early, nurtured through dedication, and realized through opportunity. The father-son rule, often debated, found perfect justification in the Ashcroft family’s success.
As the Lions chase a potential three-peat or more in the years ahead, Will Ashcroft stands at the center of their ambitions. His story is still unfolding, but the chapters already written are legendary. From a wide-eyed child kicking the footy in the backyard to a dual premiership player and dual Norm Smith medallist, Ashcroft has fulfilled his childhood dream and then some. The passion that burned since childhood continues to fuel a career that promises many more highlights.
In an era of rapid change and intense scrutiny in professional sport, Will Ashcroft represents the ideal—humble origins, extraordinary talent, and unwavering commitment. Brisbane Lions fans, and AFL supporters everywhere, have every reason to watch his fiery journey with anticipation. The most talked-about name from the 2022 draft has more than lived up to the hype. He has redefined it.
