Ashcroft emerges from Lions pack to claim Norm Smith

Three-time AFL premiership player Marcus Ashcroft and his wife Bekky agree their eldest son has him covered already.

Fourteen months after Will Ashcroft's debut season was cruelled by a knee reconstruction, the 20-year-old has claimed the Norm Smith Medal as best afield in the grand final.

Making his debut on the last day in September, Ashcroft's poise and class was capped by an outstanding snapped goal in the third quarter as the Brisbane Lions ran rampant.

He racked up 30 possessions and five clearances to poll 14 out of a possible 15 votes, ahead of Lions co-captain Lachie Neale on eight, Callum Ah Chee on seven and Kai Lohmann with one.

Marcus was a part of the Brisbane dynasty that won the 2001-03 three-peat, the club's most recent premierships before Saturday.

"I won my first flag when I was 30. He's only 20, so he has 10 years on his side," Marcus said in the Lions rooms.

Bekky was also full of pride in what their eldest son has achieved in only his second AFL season.

"Well, you can get caught up in the moment right now. The kid, 20 years old, coming back from an ACL, to do what he just did on grand final day, it's pretty unreal," she said.

"Marcus would be the first one to say I think the kid might have him."

The Lions recruited Marcus as a father-son pick and their middle son Levi will also join them next season.

Youngest sibling Lucy, 15, is also a state-level footballer and netballer. She and Levi were also in the crowd on Saturday.

Marcus was in the MCG stands a year ago when Brisbane lost the epic grand final to Collingwood. That hardened his resolve to make successful AFL comeback.

"When we lost on this day last year, I've been thinking about it since then," he said.

"I'm not sure if I've surprised myself ... I've set myself for this.

"This is what I've always wanted to do, follow behind what my dad did and perform on the big stage.

"My whole rehab was set up that way in my mind. Obviously to make it here and do it is another thing - I can't quite believe that - but I always had the belief I could come in, whenever that was ... and build to this moment."

Fans soaked up the AFL grand final at live sites in Brisbane and Sydney, as well as at the MCG.

Coach Chris Fagan said he could not take any credit for Ashcroft's success, putting it all down to the new star's hard work and mindset.

"Today was the culmination of all that hard work," Fagan added.

Ashcroft went down with his season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury in round 19 last season and returned this year in round 17.

After a scratchy few games, he steadily built his form and shone in the finals.

The 20-year-old is the youngest Norm Smith medallist since Carlton's Wayne Harmes was crowned the inaugural winner at age 19 in 1979.

Lachie Neale.
Lions midfielder Lachie Neale looks for attacking options against Sydney.

Several Lions had staked claims for best afield, with Neale racking a game-high 34 possessions and nine clearances.

Harris Andrews was also mighty, again performing his role to perfection with intercept marks across half-back, while Ah Chee kicked four goals.

Lohmann lit up the game with three goals in the first half, also finishing with four.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store