In a complete surprise to anyone living under a rock, father-son Will Ashcroft headlines a quartet of Brisbane Lions players selected for their first game with the Club ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Port Adelaide.

Taken with pick two at the 2022 NAB AFL Draft, the young midfielder will continue the Ashcroft name following on from his father and Club legend Marcus, who helped the Lions win three premierships in his 318 games.

Speaking to Lions Media, Ashcroft said it he couldn't wait to get stuck in.

01:14

Ashcroft: The Work's Just Starting, I Can't Wait

We talked to Will Ashcroft after it was announced to the team that he will make his AFL debut in Round 1

"It's been a long time, it's a great feeling from an individual standpoint but the work's just starting so I'm looking forward to it."

As expected, the 18-year-old is joined by fellow star off-season recruits Josh Dunkley, Jack Gunston and Conor McKenna in pulling on the maroon, blue and gold for the first time.

Young guns Deven Robertson, Darcy Wilmot, Jack Payne and James Tunstill have also received the call up to Chris Fagan’s first 22 of season 2023.

05:39

2023 Season Preview: Chris Fagan

Fages reflects on last years performance as well as looking forward to exciting things to come this season. Interview by Michael Whiting

Earlier in the week the Lions ruled out former captain Dayne Zorko as he is given an extra week to recover from a hamstring issue, with veteran defender Darcy Gardiner and Callum Ah Chee also unavailable through injury.

Saturday’s Round 1 clash will be the first time newly appointed Co-Captains Harris Andrews and Lachie Neale officially lead the Lions for premiership points.