In the aftermath of the Brisbane Lions' resounding 60-point victory over the Sydney Swans in the 2024 AFL Grand Final, young gun Will Ashcroft stood before the media, beaming with pride after being awarded the prestigious Norm Smith Medal for best-on-ground.
The 20-year-old midfielder's performance was nothing short of spectacular, earning him the honour in just his 31st AFL match.
โIt's unbelievable,โ Ashcroft said, his excitement palpable as he reflected on his incredible journey.
โAs hard as it was to miss last year, I set myself a goal in the second half of the year and to come back and play my first finals seriesโฆ to be here and win it is just amazing.โ
The Norm Smith Medal was a fitting reward for Ashcroft, who overcame a devastating torn ACL last season and watched from the sidelines as his teammates fell just short in the 2023 Grand Final against Collingwood.
With 30 disposals, five clearances, and a stunning goal that showcased his cleanliness and quickness in the phone-box, Ashcroft not only marked his return to the big stage but also cemented his status as a future star of the league.
The pivotal moment of his performance came midway through the third quarter when he snapped a brilliant goal from a forward stoppage.
The roving, the snap, Will Ashcroft โญ#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/I623oDSMwO
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 28, 2024
โI didn't think about the Norm Smith Medal too much, but when I kicked that goal and saw my stats on the big screen, I thought, โI'm going all right here, maybe,'โ he shared, a cheeky grin on his face.
As Ashcroft's confidence grew, so did the Lions' dominance. The scoreboard reflected their control, and by the time Ashcroft glanced at it during his third-quarter goal, it felt like the result was already sealed.
โWe've been working hard on our forward 50m game for the last six weeks,โ he noted, hinting at the team's preparation that led to such a commanding performance.
Reflecting on his family's legacy, Will acknowledged the pressure and pride that comes with being a second-generation Lion. His father, Marcus, played a key role in Brisbane's golden era, and Will's achievement added another chapter to the Ashcroft story.
โTo win one after he was part of the last one is unbelievable,โ Ashcroft said, a nod to the family's history in the game.
As he savoured the victory, Ashcroft also expressed gratitude for the support from his family throughout his recovery.
โThey helped me through such a difficult time,โ he stated.
โTo do it in front of my family and my brothers, I just can't put it into words.โ
The young midfielder also credited his co-captain Lachie Neale, a dual Brownlow Medallist, for his mentorship throughout the season.
โI base my game on him and we work closely together,โ Ashcroft remarked.
โBoth of us performed well today to help drive the team to a premiership.โ
With the Lions' premiership win, Ashcroft's mind is already racing toward future achievements.
Introducing the 2024 Norm Smith medallist, Will Ashcroft ๐ #AFLGF pic.twitter.com/HhhXo6bKoa
— AFL (@AFL) September 28, 2024
โWe just wanted to get one [premiership] and now we're hunting more,โ he said, glinting with ambition. His brother Levi is set to join him at the Lions as a father-son pick in the upcoming draft, adding even more excitement for the Ashcroft family.
โI can't believe it,โ Ashcroft concluded, reflecting on his whirlwind journey and the joy of lifting the premiership cup alongside his teammates.
โWe've had ups and downs but stuck fast and dug in. I'm grateful to be back playing some good footy now, and today was just the icing on the cake.โ
As Brisbane Lions fans celebrate their team's triumph, Ashcroft's star continues to rise, and the future looks bright for both him and the club.
