Will Ashcroft to debut for Brisbane Lions in round one clash against Port Adelaide

It comes as no great surprise, but Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has confirmed that father-son pick Will Ashcroft will make his AFL debut on the opening weekend of the season.

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has praised the “professionalism” of father-son pick Will Ashcroft after confirming the 18-year-old midfielder would make his AFL debut on Saturday against Port Adelaide.

In an address to his players, Fagan said that while it wasn’t a shock that Ashcroft would debut in round one, there was “no question” he would be selected for the clash at Adelaide Oval such had been the impression he had made in the pre-season.

“It wouldn’t be one of the biggest surprises in AFL footy that Will was going to play his first game (this weekend),” Fagan said in front of Ashcroft and his teammates.

“The thing that strikes all of us is that you’ve come here with a big reputation which you’ve earned through your under 18 years, but you’ve showed us all with your professionalism and your hard work, and then your performance in practice matches, that there’s no question that your deserve to be selected.

“Well done on that and just keep going with the same attitude and that’ll take you a long way, so welcome to the team.”

yessir. https://t.co/ljngw7G3HBpic.twitter.com/fFYQWjY8GY

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) March 16, 2023

Fagan urged Ashcroft just to “play your role”.

“That’s all you need to do, which is what you’ve been doing all summer, and that’ll be good enough for us.

Ashcroft, the son of Lions triple premiership-winning player Marcus Ashcroft was grateful for the support he had received from Fagan and the Brisbane’ playing squad.

“I came into the pre-season eyeing this (round one selection) off and I wanted to play pretty early, and I’m glad it’s happening from an individual standpoint, but I look forward to playing in this side,” Ashcroft said in front of the team and staff,

"There’s been a lot of hype around the team. I can't wait to play and get into it with you boys, so thank you.”

Despite the absence of injured trio Dayne Zorko (hamstring), Darcy Gardiner (ankle) and Callum Ah Chee (quad), the Lions have named a strong side to meet Port.

Cameron Rayner, who spent the pre-season playing in defence, has been named in the forwards, while Irishman and former Essendon speedster Conor McKenna has been selected in Brisbane’s half-back line,

Like McKenna, prized recruits Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston will make their first AFL appearances for the Lions, while 19-year-old midfielder James Tunstill, who played three games last season, has been named on the interchange bench.