Will Ashcroft wins Norm Smith medal after 2024 AFL Grand Final

A young Brisbane Lions star has etched his name into the AFL record books after delivering a grand final performance for the ages.

Will Ashcroft has won the 2024 AFL Grand Final Norm Smith Medal.

The Brisbane Lions star has etched his name into the AFL record books by becoming the youngest ever player to win the medal.

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At 20 years of age, Ashcroft breaks the AFL record previously held by Andrew McLeod, who was 21 when he won his first Norm Smith Medal in 1997 — he won it again in 1998.

Wayne Harmes is the youngest player to ever win the Norm Smith Medal at the age of 19, when he won it during the 1979 VFL Grand Final.

There was a host of Lions players who would have been deserved winners, but it was Ashcroft who racked up 30 disposals, had five clearances and kicked a goal to put the cherry on top.

“To our boys, not just the players who played today but our whole squad and the wider staff as well, we’ve had ups and downs and stuck fast and dug in,” Ashcroft said.

“Can’t believe we’ve achieved the ultimate prize.”

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Will Ashcroft of the Lions kicks the ball during the 2024 AFL Grand Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Brisbane Lions at The Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 28, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Two-time Brownlow Medal winner Lachie Neale was at his best as he collected 34 disposals and nine clearances while Lions veteran Dayne Zorko had 26 disposals.

In front of goal, it was Kai Lohmann and Callum Ah Chee who led the way with four goals a piece.

Lohmann was the biggest star in the opening half as he slotted three goals as the Lions ran away with the contest.

And in what was potentially his final game of AFL, Joe Daniher did it all for Brisbane as he had 16 disposals, four clearances and kicked two goals.

Daniher was mobbed by every teammate after kicking the final goal of the game in the dying stages of the fourth quarter.

Onya, Joey. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Norm Smith Medal voting (3, 2, 1)

Jack Riewoldt: Will Ashcroft, Callum Ah Chee, Lachie Neale

Shaun Burgoyne: Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale, Callum Ah Chee

Rory Sloane: Will Ashcroft, Callum Ah Chee, Kai Lohmann

Riley Beveridge: Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, Callum Ah Chee

Anna Harrington: Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale, Callum Ah Chee

Final tally

14: Will Ashcroft

8: Lachie Neale

7: Callum Ah Chee

1: Kai Lohmann

North Smith Medal winners

2023: Bobby Hill

2022: Isaac Smith

2021: Christian Petracca

2020: Dustin Martin

2019: Dustin Martin

2018: Luke Shuey

2017: Dustin Martin

2016: Jason Johannisen

2015: Cyril Rioli

2014: Luke Hodge

2013: Brian Lake

2012: Ryan O’Keefe

2011: Jimmy Bartel

2010 (replay): Scott Pendlebury

2010: Lenny Hayes

2009: Paul Chapman

2008: Luke Hodge

2007: Steve Johnson

2006: Andrew Embley

2005: Chris Judd

2004: Byron Pickett

2003: Simon Black

2002: Nathan Buckley

2001: Shaun Hart

2000: James Hird

Originally published as Will Ashcroft wins Norm Smith medal after 2024 AFL Grand Final