Rising Star nominee Will Ashcroft grateful to his father Marcus for the support he provides
A Brisbane Lions teenager says he will only improve on the performance that secured him an AFL Rising Star nomination.
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Rising Star nominee Will Ashcroft has praised his father Marcus for striking the right “balance” between being a caring parent and a football confidant.
In just the second game of his AFL career, 18-year-old Will secured the competition’s round 2 Rising Star nomination with a memorable display in Brisbane’s 11-point win over Melbourne at the Gabba.
Will’s performance included 31 disposals, including nine clearances and a goal.
His Victoria-based father Marcus – a triple-premiership winner with the Lions – was in the Gabba crowd to see his son’s superb showing.
“It was good to have some conversations with him leading into the game and reviewing it after,” Will said.
“I really enjoy that. It’s something I’d like to do for a long time.”
“It’s just having those conversations that lead me in the right direction which I’m really grateful for.
“He’s found that good balance between being that good support network and father figure, instead of always focusing on the footy stuff.
“There’s a good balance there – he picks his moments.”
As does Will, judging by his effort last Friday night.
And ahead of the Lions’ clash with the struggling Western Bulldogs on Thursday night, the teenage midfielder has warned he will only get better.
“I have full belief and confidence in myself. I can improve on last (Friday),” Will said.
“I’ve got so many areas that I can do better in, so I’m looking forward to that challenge.
“Contested ball is where my game stems from, bringing that energy to the contest .., and trying to bring other things into my game.
“I’m not trying to look too far ahead. I’m trying to stick to the process and stick to what I know.”
Will promised the Lions – shock first-round losers to Port Adelaide – would not fall into the trap of underestimating the Bulldogs, who have started the season poorly with successive losses to Melbourne and St Kilda.
“They haven’t had the ideal start to the season. They probably wouldn’t have liked to play that way,” he said.
“(But) the last number of years they’ve always been right at the top and a really good outfit. No doubt they’ll be hungry.
“We potentially looked too far ahead in round 1 and learnt our lesson a little bit.
“We want to achieve big things this season. We know it’s a very long season and we’re just going to keep building each week.”
Originally published as Rising Star nominee Will Ashcroft grateful to his father Marcus for the support he provides
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