In the world of Australian Rules football, a remarkable phenomenon is unfolding. Just two years ago, the Brisbane Lions were struggling to make an impact in the finals series, but a clever draft strategy has transformed their fortunes. The team has secured an impressive nine top-20 picks in six seasons, and all nine of those players have now become premiership winners.
As the 2024 AFL Draft approaches, history is poised to repeat itself. Two exceptional young players, Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall, are set to join the Lions’ ranks, bringing with them a wealth of talent and experience. Ashcroft, in particular, boasts an incredible junior football career, having won three premierships in three years, an APS flag, and two u18 National Championships.
What sets Ashcroft apart is his exceptional footballing pedigree. He shares many qualities with his older brother Will, including genius-level midfield skills and an uncanny ability to read the game. While Will excels at winning loose balls and firing handpasses, Levi prefers to survey the landscape, picking out targets with precision. He’s also a master of finding space and losing opponents in congestion, making him a deadly goal-kicker from midfield.
Ashcroft’s creativity and forward nous will be a valuable asset to the Lions, and it won’t be long before he forces his way into the on-ball rotation. Alongside his brother Will, they’ll help prop up the premiership window as Brisbane legend Lachie Neale enters his 30s.
Marshall, meanwhile, has flown under the radar, but his freakish running ability, neat foot skills, and consistency make him a bonafide first-round talent. He’ll start life as an outside midfielder, providing early opportunities for the Lions.
Together, these four young talents will extend the reigning premiers’ contention well beyond the primes of Neale and Dayne Zorko. As long as the Ashcroft brothers are freewheeling through the middle of the Gabba, it’s difficult to see Brisbane falling out of this premiership window anytime soon.
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