AFL grand final 2024: Brisbane Lions star Will Ashcroft claims Norm Smith Medal in victory over Sydney Swans

Will Ashcroft has become the youngest player in the AFL era to be awarded the Norm Smith Medal after he was named best afield in Brisbane’s grand final demolition of Sydney.

The 20-year-old eclipsed the record held by Andrew McLeod since 1997, when the Adelaide great claimed the first of his back-to-back medals at just 21.

The son of Lions triple-premiership player Marcus, Ashcroft was enormous with 30 disposals, one goal and 11 score involvements at 87 per cent efficiency as the Lions dominated the midfield battle against a highly-touted Swans engine room.

He polled 14 of a maximum 15 votes, ahead of teammates Lachie Neale (eight votes), Callum Ah Chee (seven votes) and Kai Lohmann (one vote).

“I can’t believe it,” Ashcroft told Seven following the 60-point win at the MCG on Saturday.

Despite limping to the final siren with a foot injury, Neale was brilliant with 35 touches, including 18 contested, at 86 per cent efficiency.

The dual Brownlow Medallist also notched up 11 score involvements and nine clearances as he shared the inaugural Ron Barassi Medal with co-captain Harris Andrews.

Ah Chee, who hails from Western Australia, had an equal game-high four goals, alongside Lohmann, as well as 14 touches and 11 score involvements as he capped off an incredible finals series.

Lohmann, 21, kicked three of his four majors in an electric first half, while also notching up 15 touches and seven score involvements in his first grand final.

Ashcroft suffered a heartbreaking ACL injury late last season and was forced to watch the Lions’ 2023 finals campaign from the sidelines.

The Lions made it all the way to the grand final before going down to Collingwood by four points in a thriller.

The second-year midfielder made his long-awaited return in round 16 this season, with the Lions winning 10 of their next 12 games leading into the decider.

“I play this game to win premierships and I set myself for the second half of the year, to come back and play finals footy for the first time with my brothers, it’s unbelievable,” Ashcroft said.

“As hard as it is to miss last year, I set myself ready to go. It’s the ultimate prize, the hardest thing to achieve and all 17 (other) teams are gunning for it. “To actually be here, even just to get here, but to be able to win it. Oh my God. It’s unbelievable.”

Ashcroft revealed the simple advice his dad gave him before the grand final, having played more than 300 games, including three flags.

“Just to stay calm and play my way,” he said.

“He knows and I know that individually, that stacks up and if I can play my brand and do that in line with what my teammates are doing, we’ve got a good chance to win it.”

The Norm Smith voting panel consisted of Jack Riewoldt (Fox, Chair), Shaun Burgoyne (Channel Seven), Riley Beveridge (AFL.com.au), Anna Harrington (AAP) and Rory Sloane (retiring Crows great).

NORM SMITH MEDAL VOTES

14 - Will Ashcroft, Brisbane Lions – 33332

8 – Lachie Neale, Brisbane Lions – 3221

7 – Callum Ah Chee, Brisbane Lions – 22111

1 – Kai Lohmann, Brisbane Lions – 1

How the judges voted:

Jack Riewoldt (Chair) – Will Ashcroft, Callum Ah Chee, Lachie Neale Riley Beveridge (AFL.com.au) – Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, Callum Ah Chee Shaun Burgoyne (Channel Seven) Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale, Callum Ah Chee Anna Harrington (AAP) – Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale, Callum Ah Chee Rory Sloane (2024 Retiring Great, Adelaide Crows) Will Ashcroft, Callum Ah Chee, Kai Lohmann