AFL: Potential No.1 draft pick and son-of-a-gun Will Ashcroft wins extraordinary 51 disposals in NAB League game

There is still no decision on whether Will Ashcroft will join the Brisbane Lions as a father-son selection but he continues to dominate the NAB League.

Will Ashcroft is one of the most promising players in this year’s NAB League competition. Picture: Getty Images

The coach who worked up close with Nick Daicos last year believes this year’s potential No.1 draft pick Will Ashcroft is every bit as good and professional as the Magpie.

Ashcroft, the son of Brisbane Lions triple premiership player Marcus, continues to set the NAB League alight, winning an astounding 51 disposals in Sandringham Dragons’ victory over Western Jets on Sunday.

That performance made him just the second player since 2005 to win 50 or more touches in a game, and the overall tally was behind only Northern Knights on-baller Kieran Malone’s 52 seven seasons ago.

Wayne Cripps was Oakleigh Chargers’ midfield coach in Collingwood rising star Daicos’ draft year before accepting the Dragons’ head coaching job in November.

Will Ashcroft (top) is enjoying an outstanding NAB League season. Picture: Getty Images

He also worked with the likes of Matt Rowell, Noah Anderson and Will Phillips in recent seasons.

Cripps is now overseeing Ashcroft’s development ahead of his huge decision on whether to join the Lions as a father-son selection or nominate for the open draft.

The 18-year-old rounded out his extraordinary weekend display with 27 contested possessions, 14 clearances (five out of the centre), nine inside 50s, nine intercept possessions and seven score involvements.

Ashcroft is averaging more than 34 disposals, 15 contested possessions and nine score involvements across seven matches this season.

“It’s probably one of the more special ones I’ve seen,” Cripps told News Corp of Ashcroft’s 51-disposal game.

Will Ashcroft will be a strong contender for the No.1 draft pick, if he chooses not to join the Lions as a father-son selection. Picture: Getty Images

“His ability to give and go and stay involved in the contest with that sort of power running is something not many players can do in the NAB League.

“His ability to win his own ball, give it to his teammates and continue to get out of the contest to try and get it back is something he bases his game around and does better than anyone else.”

Daicos has made a smooth transition to AFL ranks this year and Cripps expects the “extremely mature” Ashcroft to follow suit, wherever he plays.

“They’re different players but they’re on the same wavelength, in terms of how professional they are and how much they value their craft at training,” he said.

Ashcroft’s younger brother, Levi, is also turning recruiters’ heads. Picture: Getty Images

“That just shows how good they are.

“Will’s ability to win his own ball is first class, so probably the next step for him is being able to get out in the open and win a bit more easy footy.”

Also noteworthy was the eye-catching debut of Ashcroft’s 16-year-old brother, Levi, in the same match, after he represented Victoria Metro at under-16 level in recent weeks.

“They certainly gave a few handballs to each other, which was great to see,” Cripps said.

“But Levi has a lot of similar traits and you can see that Will is sort of rubbing off on him and plays a pretty selfless brand of footy himself.”