As the Brisbane Lions prepare to face Fremantle on Saturday, September 24, 2026, a remarkable modern-day trio comprising Jaspa Fletcher, Will Ashcroft, and Levi Ashcroft stand on the cusp of premiership history.
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Forging Legacies Out of the Shadows
Adrian Fletcher carved out a reputation as one of the old Brisbane Bears’ toughest competitors before featuring in the Lions’ maiden campaign. Meanwhile, Marcus Ashcroft etched his name firmly into the record books as part of the famed triple premiership-winning sides of the early 2000s. Now, their sons are within touching distance of matching those achievements.
Will Ashcroft, aged 22, has announced himself as one of the code’s most lethal big-game performers. Securing back-to-back Norm Smith Medals places him alongside Richmond legend Dustin Martin, while making him the first player to achieve the feat in consecutive seasons. His preliminary final masterclass against Hawthorn—yielding 28 disposals, eight clearances, 10 inside 50s, two goal assists, and a goal—solidified his place atop the Gary Ayres Award leaderboard for finals dominance.
The Preparation Behind the September Surge
While natural talent opens doors, elite preparation separates champions from contenders. Younger brother Levi Ashcroft, whose debut campaign concluded with the 2025 premiership, points directly to Will’s meticulous weekly habits.
“It is widely known all the things he does during the week – preparation, nutrition, all the stuff that goes on – he’s doing all the extras the top guys do,” Levi noted regarding his brother’s regimen. “All that stuff definitely helps him be ready and be prepared for big moments.”
That internal drive stems from a decade and a half of behind-the-scenes dedication. “We’re born to play in these moments, but I feel like with all the hard work we’ve done behind the scenes for 15 years to be ready and feel like we’re prepared for big moments, we really like to attack them and want to make an impact,” Levi added.
| Player | Age | Draft Path | Key Career Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Will Ashcroft | 22 | Father-Son | Back-to-back Norm Smith Medals |
| Jaspa Fletcher | 22 | Father-Son (2023) | First AFL-era player to reach Grand Final in first four seasons |
| Levi Ashcroft | – | Father-Son | 2025 Premiership in debut season |
Fletcher’s Quiet Resilience and Unique Record
While the Ashcroft brothers often dominate media coverage, Jaspa Fletcher’s disciplined defensive output has quietly anchored Brisbane’s structure. On Saturday, the 22-year-old achieves a historic feat, becoming the first player of the AFL era to reach the last Saturday of September in each of his first four seasons.
Fletcher reflects candidly on the brutal 100-point grand final loss in his junior days, as well as the 2023 AFL Grand Final defeat to the Magpies. Far from demoralizing the group, that initial setback served as a vital tactical and mental catalyst.
“I remember after the game, [coach Chris Fagan’s] first message was ‘sometimes to win a grand final, you have to lose one’,” Fletcher said. “You learn a lot of lessons about how to go about the day and the week leading in, so I think that 2023 loss… probably set us up the last couple of years.”
The Ultimate Test on Saturday
With a win over Fremantle awaiting them on Saturday, this new generation of Lions royalty is poised to permanently step out of their fathers’ shadows. Backed by elite tactical preparation, rigorous physical standards, and invaluable grand final experience, the trio is ready to write the next definitive chapter in Brisbane’s storied history.
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