First year superstar Will Ashcroft’s outstanding AFL season in 2023 has been recognised with selection in the AFL Players Association’s 22Under22 team.

Named on the wing in the star-studded side made up of the competition’s emerging players, Ashcroft collected 76 percent of the fan vote placing him in the top 10 most voted players in the team.

Ashcroft averaged 22.1 disposals with a season-high of 31 against Melbourne at the Gabba, to go along with a goal, to announce himself on the AFL stage and collect a Rising Star nomination to boot.

Brisbane Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly, said Ashcroft deserved his place in the team.

“Ashcroft has been great for us this season and while it was an unfortunate way for his year to end we look forward to having him back bigger and better in 2024,” he said.

“As a club we are very proud of Will’s achievements and hope it is a sign of things to come.”

Despite a season ending knee-injury against Geelong in Round 19, Ashcroft was able to pack plenty of highlights into his first 19 games at AFL level.

A goal of the year nomination in the Lions Round 7 win against Fremantle as well as an instrumental 30 disposals, seven tackles and goal in the QClash in Round 10.

Ashcroft’s ability to be clean at ground level, strong at the contest and be a one-touch player is what has caught to eyes of fans around the country demonstrated by his selection in the 2023 AFLPA 22Under22 team.

Ashcroft and teammate Darcy Wilmot were both chosen in the original 40-man squad which was chosen by Chair of Selectors, Michael Barlow, and an internal selection panel at the AFL Players’ Association, with support from Champion Data.

From there fans voted for who they believed were the best 22.