At 19, Ashcroft lines up for second Grand Final having not missed a game since draft day
The teenager has not missed a game in two years, playing half-forward and wing instead of his preferred midfield role.
Levi Ashcroft will line up in Saturday's Grand Final against Fremantle after not missing a single match since Brisbane drafted him two years ago. The 19-year-old was drafted as a ball-hunting midfielder, but has played mostly half-forward and wing while he waits his turn in a crowded midfield.
Rather than frustrate him, the roles have sharpened his all-around game. Ashcroft has learned defensive discipline and positioning, as shown when he sprinted 20 metres back to spoil over the boundary in last week's preliminary final.
Ashcroft told AFL.com.au the shift has been eye-opening. Playing different positions teaches him tactical thinking he will carry into midfield: where to set up, where teammates should slide, how to support others on the ground.
He said he has enjoyed the challenge and accepted that Brisbane's midfield is stacked with talent.
- 19
- Age
- None in two years
- Games missed since draft
- 20 metres
- Distance of spoil run
- Fremantle
- Grand final opponent
Why it mattersAshcroft's willingness to play where needed shows how young talent develops in successful teams, and hints at Brisbane's future depth if he earns his midfield spot.
AustraliaBrisbane fans get to watch a rare talent's learning curve in real time, two wins away from a premiership.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 d ago
