AFL grand final 2024: Brisbane Lions star Will Ashcroft claims Norm Smith Medal in victory over Sydney Swans

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AFL grand final 2024: Brisbane Lions star Will Ashcroft claims Norm Smith Medal in victory over Sydney Swans

Will Ashcroft has become the youngest player in history to be awarded the Norm Smith Medal after he was named best afield in Brisbane’s grand final demolition of Sydney.

The 20-year-old eclipsed the record held by Andrew McLeod since 1997, when the Adelaide great claimed the first of his back-to-back medals at just 21.

The son of Lions triple-premiership player Marcus, Ashcroft was enormous as the Lions dominated the midfield battle against the Swans with 30 disposals, one goal and 11 score involvements at 87 per cent efficiency.

The panel consisted of Jack Riewoldt (Fox, Chair), Shaun Burgoyne (Channel Seven), Riley Beveridge (AFL.com.au), Anna Harrington (AAP) and Rory Sloane (retiring Crows great).

Ashcroft suffered a heartbreaking ACL injury late last season and was forced to watch the Lions’ 2023 finals campaign from the sidelines.

The Lions made it all the way to the grand final before going down to Collingwood by four points in a thriller.

The second-year midfielder made his long-awaited return in round 16 this season, with the Lions winning 10 of their next 12 games leading into the decider.

More to come

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