Will Ashcroft is an Australian rules footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (AFL). Born on May 6, 2004, on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Ashcroft grew up in a football family and developed into one of the most highly regarded young midfielders in Australian football. He was selected by Brisbane with Pick 2 in the 2022 AFL Draft under the father-son rule, following in the footsteps of his father, Marcus Ashcroft, a Brisbane Lions legend and three-time premiership player.
Ashcroft made his AFL debut in 2023 and quickly established himself as an important part of the Brisbane midfield. His early career was interrupted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, but he returned strongly and went on to achieve an extraordinary run of success. In 2024 and 2025, he became a premiership player with Brisbane and won the Norm Smith Medal in both Grand Finals, placing him among the small group of players to have claimed the award more than once.
By 2026, Will Ashcroft had developed from one of the AFL’s most promising young prospects into a major contributor for Brisbane. His performances during the finals campaign have continued to attract attention, while his work away from football, particularly his involvement with the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Queensland, has also shaped his public profile. In September 2026, Ashcroft was again prominent during Brisbane’s run to another AFL Grand Final, including a strong performance in the preliminary-final victory over Hawthorn.
Will Ashcroft Early Life
Will Ashcroft was born on May 6, 2004, on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, to Marcus and Rebekah Ashcroft. His father, Marcus Ashcroft, enjoyed a distinguished AFL career with the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions, playing 318 senior games and winning three premierships. Will grew up alongside his siblings, including younger brother Levi Ashcroft, who later followed him into the Brisbane Lions after being selected under the father-son rule.
Football became a major part of Ashcroft’s life from an early age, although he was involved in several sports while growing up. He represented Queensland in swimming and athletics before concentrating increasingly on Australian rules football. At the age of 10, his talent was identified by the Gold Coast Suns, and he entered their academy system, beginning a development pathway that would eventually lead toward professional football.
Ashcroft spent much of his childhood on the Gold Coast before moving to Victoria as a teenager. He joined the Sandringham Dragons and quickly became one of the leading young footballers in the country. His development was influenced not only by his father’s football background but also by his own commitment to training and improvement. Ashcroft has spoken about looking to players such as Gary Ablett Jr. and Touk Miller as examples of the standards he wanted to develop in his own career.
Will Ashcroft Education
Will Ashcroft attended All Saints Anglican School during his earlier years on the Gold Coast before moving to Victoria for the later stages of his schooling. He subsequently attended Brighton Grammar, where he completed his Victorian Certificate of Education. His schooling coincided with a period in which his football career was rapidly developing and he was becoming one of the most prominent junior prospects in Australia.
While completing his education, Ashcroft also developed through elite junior football competitions. He played for the Sandringham Dragons and represented Victoria Metro at national level. In 2022, he captained the Sandringham Dragons to a NAB League premiership and was also captain of the Victoria Metro Under-18 team. His performances earned him the Larke Medal as the best player at the national championships and a place in the Under-18 All-Australian team.
After completing his secondary education, Ashcroft began studying commerce and sport management at Deakin University. His academic interests reflected his broader connection to professional sport and the sporting industry, although his AFL career soon became his primary professional focus. By the time he entered the 2022 AFL Draft, his combination of academic development, elite junior football and extensive representative experience had made him one of the most sought-after prospects in the draft class.
Will Ashcroft Career
Will Ashcroft entered the AFL through the Brisbane Lions after being selected with Pick 2 in the 2022 AFL Draft under the father-son rule. The selection reflected both his exceptional junior record and his eligibility as the son of Brisbane great Marcus Ashcroft. Before entering the AFL, Will had already established himself as an elite junior midfielder, winning the Larke Medal, captaining the Sandringham Dragons to a premiership and producing strong performances for Victoria Metro.
Ashcroft made his AFL debut for Brisbane in Round 1 of the 2023 season against Port Adelaide. He immediately showed the qualities that had made him such a highly rated prospect, combining inside-ball-winning ability with clean disposal and an ability to contribute around the ground. In only his second AFL match, against Melbourne, he recorded 31 disposals, nine clearances and a goal and was subsequently nominated for the AFL Rising Star award for Round 2.
His debut season was interrupted when Ashcroft suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury late in 2023. The injury required a significant rehabilitation process, but he returned to the Brisbane side in 2024. His comeback season became one of the defining moments of his early career when Brisbane won the AFL premiership and Ashcroft was awarded the Norm Smith Medal as the best player on the ground in the Grand Final. He became the youngest Norm Smith medallist in the AFL era at the time.
Ashcroft followed that performance with another outstanding 2025 season. Brisbane again won the AFL premiership, and Ashcroft once again received the Norm Smith Medal after the Grand Final victory over Geelong. His performance included 32 disposals, 10 clearances, eight tackles and a goal, making him only the third player to win consecutive Norm Smith Medals and one of only five multiple winners of the award at that point.
In October 2025, Brisbane announced that Ashcroft had signed a four-year contract extension that would keep him at the club until the end of the 2030 season. He continued to be an important part of Brisbane’s midfield during 2026 and remained prominent during the club’s finals campaign. In the September 12 semi-final against Adelaide, he collected 30 disposals, six clearances and 13 score involvements, before playing another important role in Brisbane’s 131–122 preliminary-final victory over Hawthorn on September 19.
Will Ashcroft Helps Brisbane Lions Reach the 2026 AFL Grand Final
Will Ashcroft attracted renewed attention in September 2026 as Brisbane Lions progressed through another AFL finals campaign. After Brisbane defeated Adelaide by 53 points in the semi-final, Ashcroft recorded 30 disposals, six clearances and 13 score involvements, helping the Lions recover from their previous finals defeat and reach the preliminary final.
On September 19, 2026, Brisbane faced Hawthorn at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the preliminary final. The Lions eventually prevailed 20.11 (131) to 19.8 (122 after a dramatic match that featured multiple lead changes and a late Brisbane comeback. Ashcroft was among the Brisbane players who played an important role in the contest, with AFL describing him as another standout performer during September and noting his pursuit of a possible third Norm Smith Medal.
The result sent Brisbane into its fourth consecutive AFL Grand Final and kept alive the club’s attempt to win a third straight premiership. Ashcroft’s performances during the finals have added to the attention surrounding his already remarkable record in September, having won the Norm Smith Medal in both of Brisbane’s previous premiership victories. The 2026 Grand Final will therefore provide another major stage for a player who has already established an unusually strong finals record at a young age.
Will Ashcroft Personal Life
Will Ashcroft comes from one of Brisbane’s most recognisable football families. His father, Marcus Ashcroft, played more than 300 AFL games for the Brisbane Bears and Lions and won three premierships. Will’s younger brother, Levi Ashcroft, also plays for Brisbane, meaning the Ashcroft family has become closely associated with the club across multiple generations.
Ashcroft has spoken about the influence of his parents and the importance of remaining humble despite the attention surrounding his football career. In an interview with the Brisbane Lions, he credited his parents with supporting him and his siblings and said that staying grounded was an important part of how he approached both success and setbacks.
Away from football, Ashcroft has developed a strong connection with the Children’s Hospital Foundation in Queensland. During his ACL rehabilitation, he began spending time at the hospital and has continued visiting children, playing games, doing activities and helping with fundraising and awareness. He has explained that the experience has given him perspective beyond football and encouraged him to use his position as a professional athlete to support children and families going through difficult circumstances.
Will Ashcroft Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Will Ashcroft was born on May 6, 2004, making him 22 years old as of September 2026. He was born on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, and is Australian by nationality. His upbringing has included both Queensland and Victoria, with his football development taking place across several elite junior programs before he joined the Brisbane Lions.
Ashcroft’s religious affiliation has not been reliably documented in major public sources. His family background and football heritage are much more extensively documented than his personal religious beliefs, so a specific religion should not be assigned without reliable evidence.
Will Ashcroft stands approximately 182 centimetres (about 6 feet) tall and plays primarily as a midfielder. He is known for his clean ball use, contested-ball ability, movement through stoppages and capacity to contribute both inside and outside the contest. His athletic background in sports including swimming and athletics also formed part of his physical development before he concentrated fully on Australian rules football.
Will Ashcroft Social Media Presence
Will Ashcroft maintains a public Instagram account under the handle @willashcroft3, where he shares aspects of his football career and life outside the game. His account has also been featured by AFL media in connection with his community work and his involvement with the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
His social-media presence forms part of his broader public profile as a young AFL player. Alongside football-related content, his online activity has helped highlight his community involvement, particularly his work with children receiving treatment at Queensland’s Children’s Hospital.
Will Ashcroft Net Worth
Will Ashcroft’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified. As a professional AFL player contracted to Brisbane until the end of the 2030 season, his primary source of income is his football career. His growing profile, premiership success and individual awards may also provide opportunities through sponsorships, appearances and commercial partnerships, although specific private earnings are not publicly disclosed.
AFL clubs generally do not publicly disclose the complete financial terms of individual player contracts. Because of this, any figure presented as Ashcroft’s net worth should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed valuation. Based on his age, professional status, major AFL honours and long-term contract, a reasonable unofficial estimate for his 2026 net worth could be around A$1 million to A$3 million.
Ashcroft’s financial position is likely to develop significantly over the course of his long-term Brisbane contract. His extension through 2030 provides career security, while continued success at AFL level could increase his commercial value. However, without publicly verified salary, endorsement and asset information, his exact wealth cannot be established with certainty.
Will Ashcroft Legacy
Will Ashcroft’s early legacy is already defined by an unusual combination of junior success, resilience and AFL achievement. Before turning professional, he won the Larke Medal, captained a premiership-winning junior team and established himself as one of the country’s leading young footballers. His transition into the AFL has reinforced the reputation he built during his junior career.
His Grand Final performances have become the most significant part of his developing football legacy. Winning consecutive Norm Smith Medals in Brisbane’s 2024 and 2025 premiership victories placed Ashcroft in an exclusive group of AFL players. He achieved those honours only a short time after recovering from an ACL injury, adding another significant chapter to his early professional career.
Ashcroft’s legacy also extends beyond statistics and medals through his community work. His relationship with the Children’s Hospital Foundation and his regular visits to sick children have given him a public role beyond that of an AFL midfielder. His willingness to use his profile to support young patients and raise awareness demonstrates another dimension of his career and has helped shape how he is viewed away from the football field.
Conclusion
Will Ashcroft’s rise from a highly rated junior footballer on the Gold Coast to a dual premiership player and dual Norm Smith Medallist has been remarkably rapid. After overcoming an ACL injury early in his AFL career, he returned to help Brisbane win consecutive premierships and established himself as one of the club’s important midfielders. By September 2026, his finals performances had again placed him in the spotlight as Brisbane reached another Grand Final, while his community work with Queensland’s Children’s Hospital Foundation has given his career an impact beyond Australian rules football.
Frequently Asked Questions About Will Ashcroft
Who is Will Ashcroft?
Will Ashcroft is an Australian rules footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League. He was selected with Pick 2 in the 2022 AFL Draft under the father-son rule.
How old is Will Ashcroft?
Will Ashcroft is 22 years old as of September 2026. He was born on May 6, 2004.
Where was Will Ashcroft born?
Will Ashcroft was born on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
Who is Will Ashcroft’s father?
Will Ashcroft’s father is Marcus Ashcroft, a former Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions footballer who played 318 AFL games and won three premierships with the club.
Does Will Ashcroft have a brother who plays AFL?
Yes. Will Ashcroft’s younger brother, Levi Ashcroft, also plays for the Brisbane Lions.
Which AFL team does Will Ashcroft play for?
Will Ashcroft plays for the Brisbane Lions Football Club in the AFL.
What position does Will Ashcroft play?
Will Ashcroft primarily plays as a midfielder. His game combines contested-ball winning, clean disposal and the ability to contribute in attacking areas.
When did Will Ashcroft make his AFL debut?
Will Ashcroft made his AFL debut for the Brisbane Lions in Round 1 of the 2023 season against Port Adelaide.
What draft pick was Will Ashcroft?
Will Ashcroft was selected with Pick 2 in the 2022 AFL Draft by the Brisbane Lions under the father-son rule.
How many Norm Smith Medals has Will Ashcroft won?
Will Ashcroft has won two Norm Smith Medals, receiving the award in the 2024 and 2025 AFL Grand Finals.
How many AFL premierships has Will Ashcroft won?
Will Ashcroft has won two AFL premierships with the Brisbane Lions, in 2024 and 2025.
Did Will Ashcroft suffer an ACL injury?
Yes. Will Ashcroft suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during his debut AFL season in 2023 and later returned to football following rehabilitation.
How tall is Will Ashcroft?
Will Ashcroft is approximately 182 centimetres tall, or about 6 feet.
What is Will Ashcroft’s nationality?
Will Ashcroft is Australian. He was born on the Gold Coast in Queensland.
What religion is Will Ashcroft?
Will Ashcroft’s religion has not been reliably documented in major public sources.
What is Will Ashcroft’s Instagram handle?
Will Ashcroft’s Instagram handle is @willashcroft3.
Is Will Ashcroft married?
There is no consistently verified public information establishing that Will Ashcroft is married.
Does Will Ashcroft have children?
Reliable public sources do not provide confirmed information establishing whether Will Ashcroft has children.
What is Will Ashcroft’s net worth?
Will Ashcroft’s exact net worth has not been publicly verified. An unofficial 2026 estimate could place his net worth at around A$1 million to A$3 million, but this is an estimate rather than a confirmed financial figure.
When does Will Ashcroft’s Brisbane Lions contract end?
Will Ashcroft signed a four-year contract extension with Brisbane that keeps him at the club until the end of the 2030 season.
What is Will Ashcroft known for?
Will Ashcroft is known for his AFL career with the Brisbane Lions, two premierships, two Norm Smith Medals, his elite junior football record and his community involvement with the Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Why is Will Ashcroft in the news in September 2026?
Will Ashcroft attracted renewed attention during Brisbane’s 2026 AFL finals campaign. He played a significant role as the Lions defeated Adelaide in the semi-final and then helped Brisbane defeat Hawthorn in the preliminary final on September 19, 2026, sending the club into its fourth consecutive Grand Final.