Brisbane won’t suffer premiership hangover: Ashcroft
Steve Larkin |
Brisbane’s Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft is adamant there will be no premiership hangover as the Lions take the first steps in their AFL flag defence.
Ashcroft and some senior players including Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews joined Brisbane’s first to four season players on the official day one of their pre-season on Monday.
And Ashcroft believes the Lions have the hunger to replicate their premiership success next year.
“It just flies by, the off-season,” he told reporters.
“I feel like it (the grand final) just happened yesterday and here we are again.
“While that was unbelievable and I’m so proud of what we were able to do, it’s time to look ahead.
“We’re all very ambitious and hungry to go again – ambitious is the word that comes to mind for me because I’ve only played about 30 games.
“While it was a cool achievement, I think I have so many more levels to go to, and I think a lot of other guys can say that as well.”
Ashcroft’s younger brother Levi joined the Lions for training after being drafted last week.
Brisbane matched a father-son bid and used pick five at the draft to secure the highly-rated 17-year-old.
“He is pretty laid back … but when its time to train and get going he will put his head down and do what is required,” Will Ashcroft said.
“He was pretty chilled rolling in today and just excited, it has been a long time coming.”
Ashcroft, 20, said the prospect of playing with his younger brother was exciting.
“We have played about 10 games of junior footy together and that was some of the most exciting footy I have been a part of,” he said.
“To win a premiership at the (Sandringham) Dragons with him a few years back was a highlight of my career so far.
“So to actually get him here now in the colours and training, it’s pretty cool for us as brothers but also for the club it’s exciting for him to build and get himself ready to play next year.
“I just keep telling him to keep sticking to his process and getting his body right, getting his mind right, learning the intricacies of what the club is about.”
AAP