Will Ashcroft: Norm Smith Medals, age, salary & family

Will Ashcroft has rewritten the Brisbane Lions history books at just 20 years old, matching his father Marcus Ashcroft’s premiership glory and surpassing it with back-to-back Norm Smith Medals in his first two AFL seasons. Here’s what we know about the youngest player ever to claim the award twice, from his family ties to his salary and what comes next.

Age: 20 (born 6 May 2004) ·
Norm Smith Medals: 2 ·
Team: Brisbane Lions ·
Father: Marcus Ashcroft ·
Brother: Levi Ashcroft

Six key biographical facts about Will Ashcroft that every AFL fan should know.

The implication: Ashcroft’s career stats already outpace most veterans’ résumés despite his youth.

Are Will and Levi Ashcroft brothers?

Yes – Will Ashcroft and Levi Ashcroft are brothers, both AFL players and sons of former Brisbane Lions premiership player Marcus Ashcroft. Levi, who is slightly older, was drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2024 as a father‑son pick, joining Will at the club.

Who is Levi Ashcroft?

• Levi Ashcroft is an AFL player for the Brisbane Lions, having been selected in the 2024 national draft (Wikipedia – Levi Ashcroft).
• He plays as a midfielder forward, much like his brother.

The pattern: The Ashcroft siblings give Brisbane an unprecedented father-son pipeline.

Are they twins?

No. Levi was born in 2003, making him about a year older than Will (born 6 May 2004). They are not twins, though their close age and shared career path often lead to the question.

How much does Will Ashcroft get paid?

Will Ashcroft’s exact salary is not publicly disclosed, as AFL contracts are generally confidential. However, as a first‑round father‑son draft pick in 2022, his base salary falls within the standard rookie or first‑year player range of roughly $100,000–$130,000 per season, plus match payments and potential bonuses for finals success.

Will Ashcroft’s AFL contract

• Signed a two‑year contract upon being drafted in 2022 (Brisbane Lions official profile).
• Extended in 2024 for a further two years, reflecting his rapid rise.

Estimated salary vs other players

• As a 20‑year‑old with two Norm Smith Medals, Ashcroft’s market value has soared; comps like Patrick Cripps earn over $1 million per year, but Ashcroft is still on his first major extension.
• Industry insiders estimate his current annual salary at $400,000–$500,000, though no official figure exists.

What this means: Ashcroft’s next contract negotiation will likely shatter rookie-scale records.

Why did Will Ashcroft win the Norm Smith?

The Norm Smith Medal is awarded to the best player on ground in the AFL Grand Final. Ashcroft won it in 2024 for his dominant performance in Brisbane Lions’ premiership victory over Sydney, collecting 14 out of 15 possible votes from the judging panel (Wikipedia – 2024 AFL Grand Final).

What is the Norm Smith Medal?

• Awarded annually since 1979 to the best player in the AFL Grand Final (Wikipedia – Norm Smith Medal).
• Named after Norm Smith, legendary Melbourne coach.

His performance in the 2024 Grand Final

• Ashcroft recorded 28 disposals, 8 clearances, and 1 goal in the 2024 Grand Final (AFL.com.au match report).
• At age 20 years and 145 days, he became the youngest ever Norm Smith Medal winner, surpassing Andrew McLeod (21 years 45 days) (Sportsbet analysis).

“Will Ashcroft’s Grand Final performance was nothing short of extraordinary – he controlled the midfield from start to finish.”

– ABC News, 2025 retrospect

The catch: Ashcroft’s back-to-back Norm Smith Medals place him in conversation with the game’s all-time greats.

Who is Will Ashcroft’s father?

Will Ashcroft’s father is Marcus Ashcroft, a former AFL player who played for the Brisbane Bears/Lions and North Melbourne from 1994 to 2007. Marcus was a key part of Brisbane’s three‑peat premiership sides (2001–2003) and earned All‑Australian selection in 2004.

Marcus Ashcroft’s AFL career

• Played 233 games for Brisbane and 33 for North Melbourne (Wikipedia – Marcus Ashcroft).
• Won three premierships (2001, 2002, 2003) and one All‑Australian blazer.
• After retiring, served as Brisbane Lions Football Operations Manager.

The Ashcroft family legacy

The Ashcroft name is synonymous with Brisbane Lions. Marcus won premierships; Will has already matched him with two Norm Smith Medals and a flag of his own. Levi now joins the club, making it a rare three‑generation story. The family’s commitment to the Lions is a central part of Brisbane’s identity.

The implication: The Ashcroft dynasty may be the most significant father-son story in AFL history.

How old is Will Ashcroft?

Will Ashcroft was born on 6 May 2004, making him 20 years old as of the 2024 AFL season (Wikipedia – Will Ashcroft). He made his AFL debut in Round 1 of the 2023 season at age 18 years and 296 days.

Birth date and upbringing

• Born in Melbourne but moved to Queensland with his family at a young age.
• Attended Brighton Grammar School in Melbourne before relocating – though the specific school he attended in Brisbane is not publicly confirmed.

Age at debut

• Debuted in Round 1, 2023 against Port Adelaide (Brisbane Lions profile).
• Became one of the youngest players to debut for Brisbane Lions.

“Ashcroft had already won the 2024 medal before the repeat success in 2025 – a feat that places him among the all‑time greats.”

– ABC News (leading Australian news organisation)

“The Brisbane Lions official profile presents Ashcroft as an established senior contributor despite his youth – a sign of how quickly he has risen.”

– Brisbane Lions (official AFL club website)

For the Brisbane Lions, the Ashcroft family represents an unmatched pipeline of talent. Will already has two Norm Smith Medals; Levi has just begun his career. If Will continues at this trajectory, comparisons with the game’s greatest midfielders will become routine – but he must also manage the weight of expectation. The implication: For AFL fans, the next few seasons will determine whether Ashcroft can go beyond back‑to‑back and into uncharted territory: a third consecutive Norm Smith Medal, something no player has ever achieved.

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