There is arguably no better group of midfielders in the competition than Brisbane's cohort for father-son gun Levi Ashcroft to learn from.
Joining the Lions after a premiership, Ashcroft was set to unite with older brother and Norm Smith medallist Will, as well as two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage.
"Some of those older midfield guys like Lachie, Dunks, Hughy," Ashcroft said, fresh off a Round 4 Rising Star nomination.
"I want to play like them and play the position they do. I've been playing in a few different positions, which I've been enjoying.
"But those guys have been so great for me to learn off. Their leadership, their off-field stuff, their on-field (work), leading by example."
Neale has taken Ashcroft under his wing since he joined the club last year as Pick 5 in the 2024 National Draft.
His talent has been undeniable throughout his junior days, and he has plied his immense skillset to the faultless Lions, who are yet to drop a game.
But Ashcroft believes that he isn't the finished product, and leaning on his co-captain for little tricks and tips will only improve his game.
"Little things that people might not see during the game," Ashcroft said.
"First three steps I've been focusing on and getting out of a stoppage quickly. Because a couple of seconds in the AFL is huge, so those little things I can put in my game can help me get to the ball quicker or into the right positions.
"And he (Neale) does that so well. When he moves, he moves with intent, so I'm trying to implement that into my game."
Despite featuring in all four games, Ashcroft initially began as the substitute in Round 1 against Sydney, before joining the starting 22 after Charlie Cameron was a late out.
In his four outings, the 18-year-old has yet to register a centre-bounce attendance, playing predominantly in between the arcs as a half back, half forward or winger.
Although Ashcroft has a desire to play inside midfield, he understands that learning multiple roles could only be of benefit to his career.
"It's good to learn different things as early as you possibly can," Ashcroft continued.
"So you can play different positions throughout your career. If you're just playing inside mid, you're not going to develop yourself and your game.
"To be able to play (different) positions now and then later in my career play wing, half forward, mid, half back.
"It's good to be able to put in my kit bag."
Brisbane will look to continue their hot start to 2025 with a mouth-watering clash against the Western Bulldogs at Norwood Oval at Gather Round on Saturday.
