Brisbane could again be acquiring the best player in the AFL Draft as a father-son selection, and for the second time in three years that prospect hails from the Ashcroft family.
Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro star Levi Ashcroft would be seen by many as the leading player in the class of 2024, with his ball-winning nous, creativity around the contest and intelligence among the many leading traits the teenager has to offer.
Ashcroft is set to join older brother and Norm Smith Medal winner Will at the Lions this off-season, with the duo heading to Brisbane and following in the footsteps of their father, triple premiership player Marcus Ashcroft.
And much like his sibling, Levi could have an instant impact at AFL level and will make a strong case to break into Chris Fagan's senior side fresh off their premiership campaign.
Ashcroft was a dominant force at every level he featured in 2024, representing the Dragons, Vic Metro, Brighton Grammar, the AFL Academy and Brisbane's VFL side.
Arguably his most impressive performance of the year came in his single outing with the latter, with Ashcroft recording 35 disposals, eight marks, 11 clearances, six inside 50s, eight score involvements, five tackles and a goal against GWS' reserves in August.
Those numbers mirror the output Ashcroft put forward across his draft campaign, with the balanced onballer recording 30 or more touches in six of his nine games on the way to securing a third flag with the Dragons - capping off the year with 29 disposals and three goals in the grand final victory.
Ashcroft was equally strong in Vic Metro's undefeated U18s carnival and was the best performer across both of the AFL Academy's pair of matches with Coburg and Footscray, earning best-afield honours against the latter.
Lions fans will be licking their lips with the incoming addition of Ashcroft to their flag-winning ensemble, even moreso given the likeness Ashcroft might attract in comparison with Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale.
A rival bid for Ashcroft is likely to come in the opening few selections, with Brisbane doing their part to have the required points ready to match the anticipated early bid.
Position: Midfielder
Height: 179cm
State: Victoria
Club: Old Brighton Grammarians
Contested Work
Ball-Winning
Cleanliness
IQ
Pick 1-5
Brisbane (father-son selection)
"He uses his footy nous and clean hands to create for his teammates, has an elite workrate which helps his team outnumber the opposition and is an excellent decision-maker with ball in hand." - Kevin Sheehan