Brisbane Lions star Will Ashcroft keen to take his form to ‘next level’ in QClash

For one emerging Brisbane Lions star, Saturday’s QClash holds some extra significance.

Lions star Will Ashcroft has impressed since returning from a serious knee injury. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Beating the Gold Coast Suns, rather than winning the medal named after his father for a best-on-ground performance, will be Lions star Will Ashcroft’s priority in Saturday’s QClash.

However, if the 20-year-old midfielder was awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal, he said it would be an “honour”.

“I was young and it was something that I‘d always dreamed of doing,” said Will, whose father won three premierships with the Lions and was the Suns’ football manager for several years.

“It’s not my focus heading into the game. It’s more about playing my role and doing the best I can to help the team win, but it would be an honour and a pretty cool moment for our family if it was to happen at some point.”

It will be Ashcroft’s first QClash at People First Stadium after playing in only one of the two Queensland derbies last season before rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee, which sidelined him for 11 months.

“I appreciate my time and all the people that supported me when I was living on the ‘Goldy’ up until I was about 14,” he said.

“That helped shape me as a player and a person to some extent. so I’m really grateful for all those times.

“It’ll be good fun playing back down on the ‘Goldy’ for the first time.”

Will Ashcroft (right) has followed in his father Marcus’ steps by playing for the Brisbane Lions. Picture by Michael Klein

Ashcroft has been content with his form since his return from a knee reconstruction last month.

“Every week I’m feeling more and more confident, and feel like I’m better equipped to play at my best,” he said.

“I’ve played four games now (in his comeback). That first initial block has been really good for me to just get back into the flow of things, get back to playing at the speed of the game and for match fitness.

“Now I’m looking forward to just taking it to the next level. I’ve got a lot more to offer and a lot more to give, so I’m keen to keep doing that and bring that in the back half of the year.”

The resurgent Lions are chasing an eighth successive win on Saturday.

“When it wasn’t going as well at the start of the year, we always had belief. We knew we'd turn it around and now we’ve put together some good form,” Ashcroft said.

“It’s been exciting for me to join back in, and keep winning games. We’ve just got to stick to our process, and keep bringing that belief and hunger every week to keep playing our best and hopefully keep winning games.”