Will Ashcroft

Will Ashcroft is one of the AFL’s brightest rising stars – a silky, attacking midfielder whose professionalism and football intelligence are well beyond his years.

Already a two-time premiership winner and dual Norm Smith Medallist, Will has fast become one of the most influential young athletes in the game.

Born into football as the son of Brisbane Lions great Marcus Ashcroft, Will grew up immersed in the sport. His natural talent was matched early by a meticulous work ethic and a sharp understanding of what it takes to excel. That combination powered his rise through junior ranks, where he captained the Sandringham Dragons and became one of the most sought-after prospects in the country.

Drafted by Brisbane under the father–son rule in 2022, Will debuted in Round 1 of the 2023 season, immediately showcasing the maturity and poise long associated with his name. An ACL injury cut short his first season, but the way he responded defined him even more than his start.

In one of the AFL’s great comeback stories, Will returned to claim the Norm Smith Medal in Brisbane’s 2024 premiership win – then did it again in 2025! By 21, he had made history joining a rare group of players to secure back-to-back Norm Smith Medals and consecutive premierships.

Off the field, it’s Will’s character that sets him apart. Humble, disciplined and grounded, he brings a thoughtful, modern professionalism to everything he does.

Commercially, Will sits at the intersection of elite athlete and broad cultural appeal. His story is on a trajectory that feels generational and positions him as one of the AFL’s most marketable young athletes.

In October 2025, Will reaffirmed his commitment to Brisbane, signing a four-year extension through to 2030.