“I always watched grand finals as a youngster and I just dreamt to be here and with everything I’ve done in my life it’s not something where I want to just contribute. I want to be a real difference-maker.”
On Saturday morning, Will googled himself. He found a YouTube clip of last year’s grand final and him winning the medal. He needed a reminder of what he looked like on these days when he played well. Then he went out and created another highlight reel.
“That’s not something I usually do, but I thought just get me in that positive mindset to really attack it and pretty much do what you said and don’t shy away from it, embrace what’s coming,” he said.
Ashcroft with teammate Charlie Cameron.Credit: Eddie Jim
He also embraced his brother. At the siren they searched each other out.
“Amazing [to celebrate with him] reflecting back on last year and getting him over the fence to celebrate with the boys, he’s done so much work. He’s an ultimate professional for a youngster,” he said. Will is 21. The youngster is 18.
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He had a big brother’s intuition sitting on the bench when Levi was lining up from just outside 50 in the last quarter. He knew Levi would fake to his left, get back onto his right and kick the goal. He did.
“He’s got some little mannerisms I can probably pick up on. And, yeah, he held the ball for a bit longer, then it stuck inside. And I knew, I knew what his intentions were,” Will said.
Levi gushes when he talks about Will. He doesn’t have a rivalry, he has a younger brother’s unadulterated love and awe.
“I’m so proud of what he did. So, yeah, I went straight to him at the siren because I appreciate him so much and what he’s done for my footy. It’s just a bit of an overwhelming emotion, so go straight to him,” Levi said.
“It’s crazy to think 12 months on that I’m here in these exact same rooms doing exactly what they did.”
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By the raw measure of numbers, Will was outstanding: 32 touches, 12 contested and 14 uncontested possessions. It was a complete inside-out game – 10 clearances and eight tackles; nine inside-50s, five score assists. Oh, and he kicked a goal.
It was Will who stopped a potential Geelong rally dead at the start of the last quarter when they were three goals down. He took advantage of a free kick, pouncing on a ball and lacing out Charlie Cameron. Minutes later he kicked a goal of his own, accepting a handpass from Lachie Neale that was quicker than the mind had time to process and snapped a goal.
The two sons of Marcus, the Lions three-peat premiership player, both separately spoke of their debt to the Lions … and their dad.
“It couldn’t be any better,” Marcus said.
“I’m so proud of both of them. To get back here is so difficult. When Levi jumped the fence last year he so badly wanted to be part of it with his brother and he got the chance and he’s now done it. It’s so incredible for both them.”
The moment might have felt about Will, Levi and Marcus. But when Will came from the ground he went straight to his mum Rebecca and gave her the medal.
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