Bold statement: The Lions’ star is already chasing perfection, and he’s not even close to the ceiling yet. And this is the part most people miss: the path from prodigy to perennial great is paved with relentless self-improvement, not external validation.
Will Ashcroft, at just 21, has already carved an impressive career with two premierships and two Norm Smith Medals. But in a candid moment that fans found both thrilling and sobering, he issued a stark warning to the AFL: he’s “nowhere near” the player he aspires to be, a message that signals more growth, not fatigue.
Despite delivering standout moments in the past two seasons, Ashcroft was controversially deemed ineligible to represent Victoria in State of Origin after a back-and-forth selection decision. That twist only adds to the sense that his journey is far from over.
Opening Round
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Even with Ashcroft’s recent heroics, he remains outside the elite echelon of the game’s brightest young talents, often left out of conversations with Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy as the top emerging players.
Yet Ashcroft is unfazed by public narratives and remains laser-focused on continuous improvement, both on and off the field.
“I want to keep getting better, and I’m nowhere near where I should be or want to be as a footballer, leader, and person at the club,” he told foxfooty.com.au. “I’m not too focused on what others are saying. I’m focused on feedback from coaches, teammates, and mentors, and on pushing my own boundaries.”
He outlined concrete areas for growth: becoming a more impactful forward, increasing goal-scoring, enhancing defensive work, and boosting explosiveness. His aim is to refine the process rather than chase external praise.
Ashcroft also acknowledged his disappointment at missing State of Origin and said he’d love to participate next year, acknowledging it may be challenging to secure a spot.
Brisbane is poised to chase a three-peat, a feat that would place them among a select group in league history. The club’s off-season additions—Sam Draper and Oscar Allen, plus draftee Daniel Annable—and a return from injury strengthen the list, according to Ashcroft.
He said the team is “very confident” heading into 2026 and that expectations are widely favorable, though he brushes off any extra pressure.
“Sometimes you’re heavily favored; if we have a couple of losses or another team hits form, perceptions can shift quickly,” he noted. “We’re not focused on February hype. We’re focused on controlling what we can control, refining our process, and preparing for the end-of-season push.”
Ashcroft emphasized a process-driven approach, guided by the coaching staff and leadership group, to avoid distractions and minimize losses.
When asked which other clubs could challenge the flag, he highlighted the Suns, Geelong, Collingwood, and Sydney as teams to watch, but stressed the importance of focusing on Brisbane’s own improvement first.
On Lachie Neale’s offseason drama and transition to leadership under Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage, Ashcroft said the situation hasn’t disrupted the group. Neale has owned his mistakes, and his pre-season form has been exceptional, helping the team stay focused on their goals.
The Lions also have Will Ashcroft’s younger brother Levi rising through the ranks. Will has high hopes for Levi’s development in 2026, noting his versatility to impact both wing and forward roles.
Despite not mentoring his brother too heavily, Will describes their dynamic as enjoyable banter. He believes other voices—like Josh Dunkley—provide valuable guidance, while family shenanigans remain lighthearted between them.
In short, Ashcroft’s message is clear: stay hungry, stay disciplined, and keep elevating both personal and team performance. The season ahead promises more questions, more growth, and plenty of drama as Brisbane eyes another title run.
