Rookie phenomenon's anxious wait as Brisbane Lions signal flag ...
Updated July 22, 2023 — 8.22pm
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UPDATE: A crestfallen Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan admits he remains unsure of the severity of Will Ashcroft’s knee injury, after the rising star left the field clutching at his right leg late in the 11-point win over Geelong.
Fagan confirmed the 19-year-old remained “uncertain” over the extent of the damage, the fact he was able to put some weight on the leg while being escorted from the field a hopeful sign a setback such as an ACL rupture had not been sustained.
Will AshcroftCredit: AFL Photos / Getty Images
Ashcroft has embarked on a remarkable maiden AFL campaign in 2023, averaging 22.5 disposals and 3.7 clearances a game to announce to the AFL world he was a star to watch.
Whether he takes further part in the Lions premiership quest, however, will not be revealed until Monday.
“I don’t know, obviously we’ll get him scanned on Monday and we’ll all hope for the best,” Fagan said.
“He feels a little uncertain as well, so let’s hope it’s something less than what we might all think it is.
“You’ve got to live in hope, always, that it’s something a little bit less than an ACL. We’ll just see .. it’s dampened my mood.”
REPORT: Brisbane’s premiership hopes may have been dealt a heartbreaking blow, with rookie phenomenon and Rising Star favourite Will Ashcroft failing to finish his side’s 9.19 (64) to 7.11 (53) triumph over Geelong after suffering a suspected knee injury.
The 19-year-old has been a revelation in his maiden AFL campaign, the son of three-time premiership winning Lion and Bear Marcus continuing that trend before clutching his leg in agony deep into the fourth quarter on Saturday night.
Will Ashcroft hobbles off.Credit: AFL Photos / Getty Images
Along with fellow father-son draftee Jaspa Fletcher - who finished with 19 disposals - the teenage duo combined brilliantly with Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage in the third term to overcome a sloppy opening half and pick the Cats midfield to pieces.
Speaking in the lead up to his first clash against the club he supported as a kid, Ashcroft - who finished with 16 clinical disposals before being helped from the field by club staff - said he and housemate Fletcher had leaned on each other throughout the year to make the impressions they have.
“I think I’m feeling better week to week,” Ashcroft said.
“There was obviously a little bit of an adaptation period at the start of the year, but now that I’ve really committed myself to the recovery process week to week in getting my body right and preparing to play I’m feeling better.
“I’ve seen him (Fletcher) grow throughout the whole year, I live with him and … I’ve loved every second of it.
“Seeing his progression from coming off the back of a few injuries from last year and really taking the opportunity with both hands and playing good footy in the AFL it’s been awesome to play alongside him.”
Will Ashcroft is tended to by Lions trainers. Credit: Getty
Despite Ashcroft’s concerns, the Lions were able to overcome the demons of their last-gasp defeat to Melbourne last week, an inability to execute in front of goal across the opening two quarters - icing four of 13 shots - eradicated come the third term.
Neale (25 disposals, 10 clearances) and McCluggage (26 disposals) spearheaded the go forward to create a wealth of space up front, the likes of Joe Daniher, Lincoln McCarthy and Keegan Hipwood the beneficiaries with two goals each.
Callum Ah Chee proved invaluable support, celebrating news of a fresh two-year deal in Lions colours with a goal and 23 disposals.
Callum Ah Chee.Credit: AFL Photos
Two goals late in the third quarter from Geelong courtesy of Patrick Dangerfield and Jeremy Cameron threatened a case of déjà vu for Brisbane, who squandered a 21-point lead heading into the final term against the Demons to lose in heartbreaking scenes.
Daniher and Oliver Henry then traded goals early in the fourth quarter - the margin cut to 19 points.
A counter attacking surge upfield then gifted Cameron his third to keep a home crowd of more than 32,000 on the edge of their seats, thoughts of the Melbourne capitulation undoubtedly in their minds.
Ah Chee and Cat Tyson Stengle also traded blows to keep the scores within two goals, but the Brisbane backline held their nerve deep in the contest to keep their hopes of a top two finish alive.
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