Brisbane’s Zac Bailey says Levi Ashcroft will only get better after dominant practice match

Brisbane star Zac Bailey has sent a warning to the competition and SuperCoaches after he observed a stellar performance from a teammate in pre-season.

Brisbane Lions forward Zac Bailey has warned boom father-son recruit Levi Ashcroft will “only get better” after a stellar cameo against Gold Coast last Thursday in his first minutes as an AFL player.

Ashcroft, 18, was kept safe by the Lions for their opening practice match against Collingwood before being unleashed against the Suns where he was among the best players on the ground.

The No. 5 draft pick is expected to see more minutes this Thursday when Brisbane hosts Adelaide at Brighton Homes Arena in the Community Series.

“I think he had 17 touches from a half of footy so yeah, he goes all right,” said Bailey of Ashcroft.

Levi Ashcroft is a star in the making. Picture: Getty Images

“It’ll be good to see how he goes this week with a full game. He’s still learning our game plan and structure, so he will only get better after that game and it’s exciting to see.”

The younger brother of Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft had been forced to bide his time through pre-season as he worked his way back from shoulder surgery in October.

He rejoined main training for the first time last week and in his limited practice match minutes showed a glimpse of why he was considered by some talent scouts as the best player in last year’s draft pool.

The teenager was tested physically by the Suns but appeared unfazed by the attention in yet another sign he is ready for the rigours of the AFL and expectation that comes with the Ashcroft name.

“He’s really tough, I think we saw that on the weekend,” Bailey said.

“They went after him for a bit and he kept his own. He’s clean over the footy – he’s just like this brother.”

That should send a shiver down the spine of Brisbane’s rivals given the reigning premier has strengthened since smashing Sydney by 60 points on grand final day.

How the Lions cover the absence of retired key forward Joe Daniher remains to be seen but the club’s small forward depth is as deep as it has ever been.

“With all those boys coming back from injury and the young guys taking another step in their footy there is definitely a tightness for spots,” Bailey said.

Bailey is confident in the Lions’ hunt for back-to-back flags. Picture: Getty Images

“I think it’s a good thing. When it’s like that everyone tries to improve and wants a spot which improves the squad as a whole.”

Bailey is eyeing a resurgent campaign in 2025 after struggling for consistency last year.

The 25 year old injured his ankle in Round 5 against Melbourne and “didn’t really get it right for the rest of the season” while struggling to adapt to his rotating role as a mid-forward with late-season stints on the wing.

“It’s been nice to come back from the off-season with it feeling really good,” Bailey said.

“I feel like I’ve come back stronger and fitter and I’m really excited for the season to start.

“As a team obviously the main goal is to win the premiership again and I think everyone is really motivated to try and get there again and win it.

“For me, I would like to get some consistency in my footy. I think last year was a little bit inconsistent.

“It would be nice to play one position and get some consistency … but I think one of my strengths is also my flexibility, being able to play multiple roles.

“It’s on me to get a good understanding of those roles just in case I need to play them.”

Originally published as Brisbane’s Zac Bailey says Levi Ashcroft will only get better after dominant practice match