The 2024 AFL Draft was just a formality for Brisbane royalty Levi Ashcroft, who was bid on by Melbourne - and subsequently matched by the Lions - at Pick 5.
The Ashcroft name has run riot at the Queensland club across many decades, with father Marcus, a significant contributor to the historic run in the early 2000s, claiming three consecutive premierships.
Will, the older brother of Levi, was able to replicate his father's success, lifting the cup aloft two months ago but going one better with a Norm Smith medal hanging from his neck.
Levi has spent large amounts of time at Brisbane, including partaking in the bulk of the 2024 pre-season that led to premiership glory.
But when he entered the doors, his brother Will said it had a different feeling.
"Very exciting," Ashcroft said.
"We played 10 games of junior footy together, and that was some of the most exciting footy I've been a part of. To win a premiership with the Sandy Dragons a few years back was the highlight of my career.
"So to get him here now, in the colours and training, I know it's a small thing, but it's a cool thing for us as brothers.
"What I keep telling him is to keep sticking to his process and get his body right," Ashcroft continued.
"Getting his mind right. Learning the intricacies of what the club is about and the different things as a midfielder or a forward wherever Fages wants to play him when he gets his chance."
The Lions are out to buck the trend of grand final winners failing to return to the top of the mountain the following season.
Both Geelong (2022) and Collingwood (2023) were unable to replicate their efforts to achieve back-to-back success.
But Ashcroft believes that the Lions have a leg-up given the inclusions into the club, as well as a host of injured stars who missed out.
Lincoln McCarthy, Keidean Coleman, Tom Doedee, Darcy Gardiner and Oscar McInerney were all absent from the 60-point victory over Sydney, with the latter only truant from the decider in 2024.
"Very ambitious and hungry group," Ashcroft said.
"It was unbelievable (what we achieved) and so proud, but also all the guys coming back from injury, and new guys coming into the squad, are ready to go again.
"Those boys (Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews) have set the standard and have for a long time at this club, and it's easy to come back out of shape or a bit later because we did play so far into last season.
"Even the younger boys who missed out, and the injured boys who missed out, how hungry they are and the work they've put in behind the scenes."
