Latest news with #MarcusAshcroftMedal
7NEWS
06-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Calls come for Marcus Ashcroft and Brett Kirk Medals to be renamed amid ‘unfair advantage'
The Agenda Setters host Craig Hutchison has called for the Marcus Ashcroft Medal with an 'unfair advantage' given to Brisbane. The medal is given to the best player on the ground in the QClash between the Lions and Suns. It is named after Marcus Ashcroft, who grew up on the Gold Coast before going on to play 318 games for Brisbane, including three premierships. Post-AFL career, Ashcroft spent close to 10 years at the Suns, first as an assistant coach in 2008 before being promoted to football manager the following year ahead of the Suns' first season in 2011. Ashcroft now has two sons, Will and Levi, who play for the Lions. The brothers were among the Lions' best in Sunday night's win over the Suns, racking up a staggering 63 possessions between them. Will won the medal named after his dad, but Hutchison believes the siblings have extra motivation to perform well. He also noted that best on ground in the Sydney derby gets a medal named after Brett Kirk, who is currently an assistant coach at the Swans. 'Marcus Ashcroft, great respect in the game, but in reality he's got two sons who shared 63 possession who will fight to try to win the dad's medal in their name. It is bordering on an unfair advantage for Brisbane, the extra motivation it drives,' he said on The Agenda Setters. 'Brett Kirk is an assistant coach (at Sydney) giving out this one in the Swans-Giants game. Is it time that both clubs moved to a broader narrative.' Fellow panellist Kane Cornes agreed. 'That might be one of your great takes. That is a good take. They have got to change the name, you can't have that as the Ashcroft and Kirk medal. He's an assistant coach handing over the medal to one of his players. That's a good pickup,' he said. Caroline Wilson pointed out that Ashcroft was a three-time premiership player at Brisbane, but also held a key role at the Suns during their formative years. Hutchison also noted how they changed the name of the medal in Western Australia from Ross Glendinning Medal to Glendinning-Allan to acknowledge Fremantle. 'If you're the Suns, you say 'now the two kids have arrived, it is time for a reset'. It happened in Western Australia. A motivational factor for one team and not the other on game day,' he said. Cornes made a comparison to the Showdown Medal, which doesn't carry the name of any former player. 'It's like calling the Showdown Medal the (Mark) Ricciuto Medal. Why would a Port player want to win that medal?' He said.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
A QClash to remember for the Ashcrofts
As happy as Will Ashcroft was to win the man-of-the-match medal named after his father in Brisbane's latest QClash win over Gold Coast, the star midfielder was just as delighted about the performance of his younger brother Levi in the Lions' 17-point victory. In the 28th match between Queensland's two AFL clubs, the Lions saluted for the 21st time, winning 9.12 (66) to 7.7 (49) at the Gabba on Sunday night. The final scoreline flattered the Suns, who kicked the final three goals of the game in the dying stages of the fourth quarter when the contest was well and truly over. Will was superb in Brisbane's win, collecting a game-high 34 possessions, including nine clearances, a part of the match the Lions dominated. 'They pride themselves on that (the midfield battle), and we knew it was already going to be like that, and then when the weather set in a little bit, we knew it was going to be hotly contested in clearance battle,' Will, 20, said. 'We went to work on that at training this week. The defensive side of the game and the contest, we knew that was going to be where it was won and lost.' With an individual performance that was truly worthy of best-on-ground honours, Will said it was 'pretty cool' to win the Marcus Ashcroft Medal. 'To win it in my third QClash is a pretty cool feeling,' he said. Another key contributor in Brisbane's win was 18-year-old Levi, who secured 29 possessions in his maiden QClash appearance. 'How Levi performed and how he's building in his (debut) season, I'm really impressed with that and proud of that,' Will said. Will also said the Lions' bid for back-to-back premierships was showing 'promising' signs. 'Something we speak about often is constant improvement. That's something that I personally have always gone to work on around good form or poor form … always trying to be curious and find different ways and avenues to get better,' he said. 'That's what we'll continue to do. We're not satisfied. We're in a pretty good spot, but we're trying to always improve and constantly get better in the things we're already good at and things we might want to clean up.'
News.com.au
05-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Will and Levi Ashcroft play major roles in Brisbane's win over Gold Coast
As happy as Will Ashcroft was to win the man-of-the-match medal named after his father in Brisbane's latest QClash win over Gold Coast, the star midfielder was just as delighted about the performance of his younger brother Levi in the Lions' 17-point victory. In the 28th match between Queensland's two AFL clubs, the Lions saluted for the 21st time, winning 9.12 (66) to 7.7 (49) at the Gabba on Sunday night. The final scoreline flattered the Suns, who kicked the final three goals of the game in the dying stages of the fourth quarter when the contest was well and truly over. Will was superb in Brisbane's win, collecting a game-high 34 possessions, including nine clearances, a part of the match the Lions dominated. 'They pride themselves on that (the midfield battle), and we knew it was already going to be like that, and then when the weather set in a little bit, we knew it was going to be hotly contested in clearance battle,' Will, 20, said. 'We went to work on that at training this week. The defensive side of the game and the contest, we knew that was going to be where it was won and lost.' With an individual performance that was truly worthy of best-on-ground honours, Will said it was 'pretty cool' to win the Marcus Ashcroft Medal. 'To win it in my third QClash is a pretty cool feeling,' he said. Another key contributor in Brisbane's win was 18-year-old Levi, who secured 29 possessions in his maiden QClash appearance. 'How Levi performed and how he's building in his (debut) season, I'm really impressed with that and proud of that,' Will said. Will also said the Lions' bid for back-to-back premierships was showing 'promising' signs. 'Something we speak about often is constant improvement. That's something that I personally have always gone to work on around good form or poor form … always trying to be curious and find different ways and avenues to get better,' he said. 'That's what we'll continue to do. We're not satisfied. We're in a pretty good spot, but we're trying to always improve and constantly get better in the things we're already good at and things we might want to clean up.'
Sydney Morning Herald
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Sydney Morning Herald
How far can Librothers go? Four things learnt in Lions' QClash triumph
Will was a deserved winner of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal – named after his three-time premiership-winning father – in finishing with a match-high 34 disposals along with nine clearances, while younger brother Levi claimed 29 disposals and three clearances as his stocks continue to grow. 'I don't try and think about [winning the medal] … but it's something that's been joked about at different times that it would be pretty cool to win it.' Will Ashcroft Never has a clash between these two highway rivals occurred with both locked inside the top four, in a sign of the grand strides Suns coach Damien Hardwick has taken in his second year at the helm of the club. However, the showcase proved the Lions were the premiers for a reason, leaving their fade out against Collingwood their only blemish eight matches into their campaign, with even Hardwick lamenting they could not withstand the midfield onslaught they were on the receiving end of. 'We knew we were facing the best Gold Coast team we've ever faced, so that's how we prepared ourselves.' Lions coach Chris Fagan The King gets dethroned All year, Suns star Ben King had been on a one-way track towards the Coleman Medal – kicking goals at will at becoming a formidable force in the Gold Coast's forward pocket. Yet come Sunday night, he was completely shut out of the contest. It took him until almost six minutes into the third quarter to get his first kick for the night - a set shot from directly in front for one of the simplest goals of his career, and only one for the night to finish with just two kicks and one mark. Backline stars Darcy Wilmott, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews were strong at the back, combining for 28 marks to help deprived King of any genuine possession, who had punted 23 goals in his six outings until Sunday night. Jack Payne, however, was largely responsible for keeping King at bay, with Lions coach Chris Fagan praising his ability to 'make it hard' for King to get his hands on the Sherrin. Fellow Suns star Matt Rowell was also kept quiet, limited to just 16 disposals and one clearance - having also been well contained by Sydney last week having averaged roughly 28 touches heading into that win against the Swans. 'I sit there and go he's too honest, he needs to be looked after more. Brisbane did an outstanding job on him, but he doesn't get enough protection as a ball player. They target him … he needs some help.' Damien Hardwick on Matt Rowell Weller agony continues Lachie Weller has already endured a tumultuous time on the injury front, and now the Suns star is expected to be sidelined again for an extended period. The midfield gun cut a forlorn figure on the sideline when the second half resumed, having already suffered a frustrating run which has included two ruptured ACLs. Weller had only managed two disposals and a clearance before leaving the field, with Hardwick admitting he would likely be out of action for a period. 'It's a hamstring, how significant we're not too sure. We'll get that scanned in te next coupe of days, but when you don't finish the game … he won't play probably for the next couple of weeks.' Damien Hardwick Lions forward Sam Day has also suffered a hamstring injury, with Fagan saying he remained uncertain on the extent of the setback but admitting it was likely he would spend time in the casualty ward. Scheduling conflict This had been set up as the best and most enthralling QClash in the game's history. So, could we not have ensured it did not fight with a rival code's biggest weekend for viewership? The fact tonight's war took place on the same night as the NRL's Magic Round, ironically on the same day as the Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos took to the Suncorp Stadium turf – albeit earlier than the Lions' triumph – was the last thing sporting fans need. Sure, there's the argument that few fans of the respective sports would attend the opposite fixtures, but the QClash and Magic Round concepts are defining moments in the calendars which even the most blasé of pundits can get behind. There have been reports suggesting concern out of rugby league circles about the inroads Aussie rules is making in the western corridor of the state – regions such as Ipswich and Toowoomba which have traditionally been NRL heartland. However, both sports have proven they can thrive simultaneously, with each reporting strong periods of growth by the end of 2024 when it came down to grassroots participation across Queensland. They can each succeed on their own merits.
The Age
04-05-2025
- Sport
- The Age
How far can Librothers go? Four things learnt in Lions' QClash triumph
Will was a deserved winner of the Marcus Ashcroft Medal – named after his three-time premiership-winning father – in finishing with a match-high 34 disposals along with nine clearances, while younger brother Levi claimed 29 disposals and three clearances as his stocks continue to grow. 'I don't try and think about [winning the medal] … but it's something that's been joked about at different times that it would be pretty cool to win it.' Will Ashcroft Never has a clash between these two highway rivals occurred with both locked inside the top four, in a sign of the grand strides Suns coach Damien Hardwick has taken in his second year at the helm of the club. However, the showcase proved the Lions were the premiers for a reason, leaving their fade out against Collingwood their only blemish eight matches into their campaign, with even Hardwick lamenting they could not withstand the midfield onslaught they were on the receiving end of. 'We knew we were facing the best Gold Coast team we've ever faced, so that's how we prepared ourselves.' Lions coach Chris Fagan The King gets dethroned All year, Suns star Ben King had been on a one-way track towards the Coleman Medal – kicking goals at will at becoming a formidable force in the Gold Coast's forward pocket. Yet come Sunday night, he was completely shut out of the contest. It took him until almost six minutes into the third quarter to get his first kick for the night - a set shot from directly in front for one of the simplest goals of his career, and only one for the night to finish with just two kicks and one mark. Backline stars Darcy Wilmott, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews were strong at the back, combining for 28 marks to help deprived King of any genuine possession, who had punted 23 goals in his six outings until Sunday night. Jack Payne, however, was largely responsible for keeping King at bay, with Lions coach Chris Fagan praising his ability to 'make it hard' for King to get his hands on the Sherrin. Fellow Suns star Matt Rowell was also kept quiet, limited to just 16 disposals and one clearance - having also been well contained by Sydney last week having averaged roughly 28 touches heading into that win against the Swans. 'I sit there and go he's too honest, he needs to be looked after more. Brisbane did an outstanding job on him, but he doesn't get enough protection as a ball player. They target him … he needs some help.' Damien Hardwick on Matt Rowell Weller agony continues Lachie Weller has already endured a tumultuous time on the injury front, and now the Suns star is expected to be sidelined again for an extended period. The midfield gun cut a forlorn figure on the sideline when the second half resumed, having already suffered a frustrating run which has included two ruptured ACLs. Weller had only managed two disposals and a clearance before leaving the field, with Hardwick admitting he would likely be out of action for a period. 'It's a hamstring, how significant we're not too sure. We'll get that scanned in te next coupe of days, but when you don't finish the game … he won't play probably for the next couple of weeks.' Damien Hardwick Lions forward Sam Day has also suffered a hamstring injury, with Fagan saying he remained uncertain on the extent of the setback but admitting it was likely he would spend time in the casualty ward. Scheduling conflict This had been set up as the best and most enthralling QClash in the game's history. So, could we not have ensured it did not fight with a rival code's biggest weekend for viewership? The fact tonight's war took place on the same night as the NRL's Magic Round, ironically on the same day as the Gold Coast Titans and Brisbane Broncos took to the Suncorp Stadium turf – albeit earlier than the Lions' triumph – was the last thing sporting fans need. Sure, there's the argument that few fans of the respective sports would attend the opposite fixtures, but the QClash and Magic Round concepts are defining moments in the calendars which even the most blasé of pundits can get behind. There have been reports suggesting concern out of rugby league circles about the inroads Aussie rules is making in the western corridor of the state – regions such as Ipswich and Toowoomba which have traditionally been NRL heartland. However, both sports have proven they can thrive simultaneously, with each reporting strong periods of growth by the end of 2024 when it came down to grassroots participation across Queensland. They can each succeed on their own merits.
