Will Ashcroft knee injury confirmed as ruptured ACL, out for season

Will Ashcroft’s memorable debut AFL season has come to an abrupt end after scans on a knee injury confirmed the worst.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Will Ashcroft of the Lions lays injured on the ground during the 2023 AFL Round 19 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Geelong Cats at The Gabba on July 22, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Lions’ worst fears were realised on Sunday when scans confirmed that emerging star Will Ashcroft ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in Brisbane’s weekend win over Geelong.

The 19-year-old Rising Star nominee suffered the injury in the final quarter of the Lions’ 11-point victory at the Gabba on Saturday.

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The father-son draft pick had been having a superb first AFL season with the premiership-chasing Lions, but will now be sidelined for the remainder of Brisbane’s 2023 campaign as well as a sizeable chunk of next year.

Will Ashcroft’s season is over. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“We are all hurting for Will because you never want to see any player experience a serious injury, especially a player in their first season,” Lions general manager of football Danny Daly said.

“Will is super professional in everything he does, so we know he will do everything he can to recover from this.

“Our main priority is for everyone at the club to wrap their arms around Will., and do everything we can to support him and his family in any way we can.”

In 18 matches for the Lions this season, midfielder Ashcroft – the son of Brisbane triple premiership-winning player Marcus Ashcroft – has averaged 22 disposals per game.

Originally published as Will Ashcroft knee injury confirmed as ruptured ACL, out for season