Bizarre sight of Marcus Ashcroft in the stands of the Gabba goes viral
The Brisbane Lions proved far too strong against the state rivals, but it was a lone figure up in the stands that stole the spotlight.
The Brisbane Lions responded in devastating fashion as they tore the Gold Coast Suns to shreds at the Gabba.
After being blown off the park by Geelong last week, the reigning premiers were far too strong as they secured the 14.16 (100) to 6.11 (47) win.
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The result means a rematch of the 2023 Grand Final will be on the cards in the preliminary final when they take on Collingwood.
After a hard fought opening quarter that saw the teams only separated by a single point, the Lions put the foot down.
The Suns kicked three goals in the first quarter, but were held to only three more for the remainder of the match.
Across the final three quarters the Lions peppered the big sticks as they slammed home 11 more goals to secure the 53-point victory.
With the game up for grabs at quarter time, it was 21-year-old Norm Smith Medal winner Will Ashcroft who proved the difference.
Ashcroft had his hands on everything as he continually drove the Lions forward and got on the receiving end of multiple possessions.
He went into the rooms at halftime with 15 disposals, five clearances and two goals. But as he was dominating on the turf, it was a sight in the stands that was stealing the limelight.
Cameras panned to show a lone figure standing in the very back row of the Gabba before zooming in to reveal it was Marcus Ashcroft.
The triple premiership star for the Lions is the father of Will and Levi and couldn’t bring himself to sit down as the contest unfolded.
“It’s a packed ground tonight, but this is the Ashcroft father Marcus … he’s found the only bit of space where there is no-one else in shot. That is impossible at the Gabba in a finals game,” Brian Taylor said on Channel 7’s coverage.
Will was asked about his old man’s unusual habit following the victory.
“He likes to keep his distance, watch the footy and really lock in and focus on it,” he said.
“He probably gets more nervous than Levi and I do.
“He’s great support for us but gets very, very nervous before the games.”
The sight of Marcus standing alone captured the attention of footy fans watching on who were questioning his nervous energy.
Journalist Mark Gottlieb wrote on X: “Marcus Ashcroft watching his two sons play an #AFLFinals game from the top deck of the Gabba … in an #NRL hat. Classic.”
Charles Haig wrote on X: “Why is Marcus Ashcroft watching the game standing at the back of the very last row of the grandstand?”
One wrote on X: “Is Marcus Ashcroft okay all the way up there haha.”
Marcus’ nerves will now have to endure at least one more week with the Lions taking on Collingwood at the MCG next Saturday from 5:15pm (AEST).
Will Ashcroft finished the contest against the Suns as one of the highest rated players on the ground, ending the clash with 28 disposals, eight clearances, seven inside 50s, two goals and 466 metres gained.
The Lions will have a chance to make their third straight Grand Final if they can take down the Pies next weekend.
The first preliminary final will see long-time rivals Geelong and Hawthorn lock horns in a Friday night blockbuster at the MCG.
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Originally published as Bizarre sight of Marcus Ashcroft in the stands of the Gabba goes viral
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