AFL fans and commentators are heavily divided after it was revealed on Sunday that Will Ashcroft has been blocked from playing in the State of Origin game. The Brisbane Lions’ back-to-back Norm Smith medallist had been keen to represent Victoria in the revived concept against Western Australia, but has effectively been banned by the AFL.
The 21-year-old was born in Queensland and spent the majority of his life in the ‘sunshine state’. But under State of Origin rules, players can usually represent Victoria or Western Australia if they were drafted while playing in those states.
Will Ashcroft (L) with brother Levi and Josh Dunkley after the Brisbane Lions won the 2025 AFL grand final. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
Ashcroft moved to Melbourne when he was 14 and played for the Sandringham Dragons. He was drafted out of St Kilda City with the second overall pick of the 2022 draft, and also played for Victoria in the Under-18 national championships.
However he revealed on Sunday that he’s been told by the AFL he’s not eligible to play in the first Origin game in 27 years. The fixture will take place on February 14 at Perth Stadium, but Ashcroft won’t be playing.
Will Ashcroft has won two Norm Smith medals in a row. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
“I like to think of myself (as a Victorian), yeah,” he told the Herald Sun. “I’ve played here since I was 14, I was part of a lot of Victorian teams all the way through and then was drafted out of the Sandy Dragons and St Kilda City.
“Apparently, they’ve decided now that I’m not eligible, so I’m not playing, unfortunately. I’m pretty pissed about it, but I think there’s been some changes to the criteria. I would have loved to play for Victoria, but unfortunately, it isn’t happening.”
AFL world divided over Will Ashcroft State of Origin call
The AFL is yet to officially announce any changes to the eligibility criteria. It’s understood Melbourne Demons star Kysaiah Pickett has been granted ‘special consideration’ to play for WA despite playing junior footy in South Australia and representing SA at Under-18 level.
Some have questioned whether it’s a “double standard”, although many believe it’s the right call that Ashcroft can’t play. Reporter Mark Gottlieb wrote online: “Will Ashcroft can be as ‘pissed off’ as he likes but this is the right call to rule him out from the AFL. It’s State of Origin not an All-Stars game. He’s from Queensland.”
Another person commented: “This ‘where you’re drafted’ rule is just a mess. Him being ineligible is the right call but the process is wrong.”