Grand-final stage a happy hunting ground for Lion bros
Anna Harrington |
Will Ashcroft has no fear of the big stage.
After all, it’s where he grew up.
The Brisbane prodigy spent his early childhood years in the thick of grand-final week, alongside father, triple premiership-winning Lion Marcus, then starred in his own first crack at a decider last year.
It’s why reigning Norm Smith Medallist Ashcroft, and younger brother Levi, have no fear in facing Geelong in Saturday’s decider.
When asked what he could take out of his brilliant performance in last year’s grand-final win, Ashcroft, 21, said: “Just attacking it and enjoying this week.
“For me, how I look at it, I’ve been brought up in the AFL environment, I’ve come to a bunch of grand finals, and just loved going and having a kick in the park with mates and that.
“So I’ve always loved the week. So just sort of embracing it like that. It’s no different to another year for me just to enjoy the process.
“And then obviously, when it’s game time, you just play to your strengths and really attack the game and don’t go in your shell.”
He expects first-year Lion Levi, 18, who jumped the MCG fence to celebrate with his big brother last year, to handle the occasion.
“He’s pretty well prepared. He’s very professional and individual about how he goes about it,” he said.
“Yeah, I don’t think he’d be too fazed. I think he’ll just enjoy today and he’s just looking forward to the opportunity.
“To play alongside him in a grand final is something we’ve always sort of dreamed of and spoken about.
“Like I said before, we’d always come to grand finals and really enjoy that. So to actually be playing on the big stage is super exciting for both of us.”
The Lions’ midfield can be more damaging with ball in hand, having learned plenty from the Cats putting them to the sword in the qualifying final.
The Ashcroft boys will also put aside their family’s “very close” friendship with Cats coach and former Lion Chris Scott for the day.
Will even barracked for the Cats before answering the Lions’ father-son call, including celebrating their 2022 flag win.
“We’ve been family friends with them (the Scotts) for a very long time,” Ashcroft said.
“And yeah, sure, we’ll probably sit down probably after the season, if we can catch up with them and have a quick chat about tomorrow at some point.
“He’s an unbelievable coach. We look forward to the challenge.”
AAP
