Will Ashcroft wins second Gary Ayres Award
The Brisbane Lions midfielder becomes just the second player to win the Gary Ayres Award in consecutive years.
Will Ashcroft has claimed the Gary Ayres Award for a second straight year, joining Richmond legend Dustin Martin as the only players to win the award twice. The coaches vote on the best player across the finals series, with grand final performances weighted heavier.
Ashcroft finished with 31 disposals and nine clearances against Fremantle on Saturday, amassing 12 disposals and four clearances in a crucial final term. Ashcroft polled 27.5 votes across the finals series, ahead of Fremantle pair Caleb Serong and Luke Jackson.
Martin, by contrast, won it in three different premiership years: 2017, 2019 and 2020.
- 22 years old
- Ashcroft's age
- 27.5 across series
- Finals votes
- 31
- Grand final disposals
- 2 (Ashcroft, Martin)
- Back-to-back winners in history
Why it mattersAshcroft's two-year run proves his ability to deliver when the stakes are highest, cementing his status as a Lions cornerstone.
AustraliaBrisbane's AFL Grand Final win came down to moments; Ashcroft's clutch play in the final term was pivotal.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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