By Nick Wright
The legend of Will Ashcroft has had another chapter inscribed in its fledgling stages, with his key moments proving the difference to celebrate Hugh McCluggage’s 200th game in style.
Even at just 21, the reigning Norm Smith Medal winner has become one of the most lethal midfielders in broken play, and he showed his class to inspire the Brisbane Lions to a 12.14 (86) to 12.4 (76) triumph of the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba.
Hugh McCluggage of the Lions is chaired off to celebrate his 200th game.Credit: Getty Images
Finishing with three goals, 26 disposals and five clearances, Ashcroft’s clean hands in slippery conditions paved the way, twice hitting the scoreboard in the second quarter to generate momentum out of a sloppy opening stanza.
The service Ashcroft received in the opening half, which was already limited in an opening quarter which yielded just two goals apiece, took a hit as talismanic halfback Dayne Zorko was forced from the field twice for an ankle injury and boot to the face respectively.
But as the veteran played on, Ashcroft received sensational support from his younger brother Levi, who after claiming two goals and 18 disposals continued to mount his Rising Star case.
Levi Ashcroft proved a brilliant supporting act for his brother Will.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
While the usual standouts Lachie Neale (24 disposals, five clearances) and McCluggage (27 disposals, eight score involvements) took the reins, and Jarrod Berry kicked two goals, it was the Ashcrofts taking advantage of their moments which proved the difference.
It was fitting Will had the final say, kicking his third with the last touch of the contest as the Bulldogs were forced to watch their hopes of rejoining the top eight faded in agonising fashion.
Forward pocket woes cost both sides
For the opening 10 minutes of the contest, it felt like the entire contest had been played within the Lions half. And yet, the Bulldogs never hit the front.
While they fought valiantly to remain within striking distance, they were left to rue their inefficiency when the conditions were at their worst early in the piece – effective inside 50 just half the time
Rhylee West of the Bulldogs celebrates a goal.Credit: AFL Photos
Whenever the Lions threatened to kick away, the Bulldogs were quick to bounce back, but they simply were not clinical enough on the back of Bailey Dale’s work, who finished with match-high 33 disposals.
Brisbane let them off the hook in the second half, their efficiency probing inside 50 poor and giving the Bulldogs an easy way out. In the third quarter alone, the Lions had 24 inside 50s and yet only came up with three goals and seven behinds for their troubles.
Even when Logan Morris cast two set shot misses behind him to kick his only goal and provide some breathing space, Rhylee West (four goals) and Aaron Naughton (two goals) kept their side in the hunt.
The sight of James O’Donnell being helped off the ground with 10 minutes remaining with an ankle issue was a sorry one, and while his side never said die as Bontempelli and West struck to get them within a kick, the damage had already been done.
Pressure game hits new heights
Only a few weeks ago, Lions coach Chris Fagan lamented his side’s defensive pressure as an area of concern for his troops to address if they were to defend their premiership.
The squad has clearly listened.
Josh Dunkley led the charge in that area, finishing with 14 tackles, as he engaged in an enthralling battle with Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli, to go with his 28 touches.
Livewire forward Kai Lohmann – despite battling a calf concern – also stood up and made six tackles while kicking a pair of goals.
Given the wet conditions, that pressure game was going to be paramount, and while the Bulldogs got the edge with 84 tackles to the Lions’ 71, Brisbane were able to turn their wins into momentum far more regularly.
Fletcher finding his home
Jaspa Fletcher has only known success since arriving in the AFL, featuring in grand finals in both of his top flight seasons, as he floated throughout the line-up striving to find where his long-term future lay.
But his shift to halfback is reaping rewards, and this was arguably his finest night at the top level.
James O’Donnell was forced off with an ankle issue for the Bulldogs.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
As Zorko entered the wars, Fletcher stood tall, finishing with 24 disposals, eight marks and a goal assist.
His one-handed intercept mark late in the fourth term, as the Bulldogs looked to get on the attack again, epitomised his developing class, with that play inspiring Lohmann’s second goal.
All this came under enormous pressure by the most clinical attacking team in the competition, as Wests bombarded the Lions’ backline to turn the game from a certain Brisbane victory to an all-out dogfight.