Norm Smith Medal: Brisbane Lions son of a gun Will Ashcroft goes back-to-back

Will Ashcroft is only 21 but has entered elite company after the Brisbane youngster became a two-time Norm Smith medallist.

Ashcroft became just the fifth man to win the prestigious award multiple times after being named best on ground for a second consecutive season, this time against Geelong.

The midfielder had a remarkable match, finishing with 32 touches, 10 clearances, eight tackles and a goal to join Dustin Martin (2017, 2019 and 2020), Gary Ayres (1986 and 1988), Andrew McLeod (1997 and 1998) and Luke Hodge (2008 and 2014) as players to claim the medal twice or more.

Ashcroft claimed 13 of a potential 15 votes, with three judges giving the midfielder top votes, with co-captain Harris Andrews (six votes) and forward Zac Bailey (five) rounding out the top three.

It is an extraordinary feat considering Aschcroft — the son of three-time Brisbane premiership star Marcus — has played only 58 games, having been taken with pick 2 in the 2022 national draft.

Ashcroft said he continued to be motivated by the 2023 grand final defeat to Collingwood, which he missed with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

“I was in the stands, ACL (injury). I was shattered individually, the team lost. I knew we had it in us to keep turning up and keep coming back,” he told Channel 7.

“To be here and execute it two years in a row is unbelievable.

“I think the feeling after the first one was a bit of shock, like ‘wow, we’ve actually done it’ and then the desire to get back and do it again was so great. To actually achieve that I can’t put it in words.”

It was Will Ashcroft’s second flag and the first for his brother Levi, who was drafted after last year’s decider.

The win also means the Ashcrofts remain unbeaten in grand finals, with Marcus part of victories in 2001, 2002 and 2003 before he retired after the last.

Will said it was extra special this year to win the premiership alongside his younger brother.

“Having Levi there is amazing. You can talk about the opportunity, but there’s so many hurdles you have to overcome to be on a day like this,” he said.

“To be here with your brother and actually win, I mean Geelong have been unbelievable so to win how we did was unbelievable.

“I am probably a bit more emotional this year because I was in a bit of shock last year. So to be able to enjoy it, be here with the fans, family and teammates is amazing.”

Norm Smith Voting Breakdown

• Will Ashcroft (Brisbane) – 13 votes (3,3,3,2,2)
• Harris Andrews (Brisbane) – 6 votes (3,2,1)
• Zac Bailey (Brisbane) – 5 votes (2,1,1,1)
• Jaspa Fletcher (Brisbane) – 3 votes (3)
• Dayne Zorko (Brisbane) – 2 votes (2)
• Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane) – 1 vote (1)

Andrew McLeod (Chair)

3. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)

2. Zac Bailey (Brisbane)

1. Harris Andrews (Brisbane)

Luke Hodge (Channel 7)

3. Jaspa Fletcher (Brisbane)

2. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)

1. Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)

Kate McCarthy (Triple M)

3. Harris Andrews (Brisbane)

2. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)

1. Zac Bailey (Brisbane)

Jack Riewoldt (Fox Footy)

3. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)

2. Harris Andrews (Brisbane)

1. Zac Bailey (Brisbane)

Adam Simpson (SEN)

3. Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)

2. Dayne Zorko (Brisbane)

1. Zac Bailey (Brisbane)