Lions star Will Ashcroft says the departures of coach Chris Fagan and two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale from Brisbane will create “opportunity” for others in the club’s quest for a fourth successive AFL premiership.
Having starred in Brisbane’s grand final win over Fremantle last Saturday, Ashcroft capped off a memorable week on Thursday night when he was awarded the Merrett-Murray Medal as the Lions’ player of the year.
“It’s a pretty amazing feeling,” the 22-year-old midfielder said.
“A fair few superstars of the game across the journey have won this award.
“It’s pretty humbling, it’s a pretty cool moment to win this award. The value people place on the best and fairest in a premiership year is pretty high, so it’s a great honour.”
However, it’s team success Ashcroft craves more than anything else, and he’s confident the Lions can build on their hat-trick of flags despite the exits from the club of master mentor Fagan and star onballer Neale, who is joining Collingwood.
“It’s a similar thing, Lachie going, ‘Fages’ going – it’s another opportunity for someone to come in,” Ashcroft said.
“You’re not going to replace Lachie Neale, you’re going to bring the next person through. You don’t need them to be anyone they’re not. They’ve just got to play the way you want to play and play well for the team.”
Ashcroft admitted he would have more “responsibility” with Neale going but said it would mean the likes of his brother Levi, Jaspa Fletcher, and Daniel Annable potentially getting more time in the midfield rather than be used in other positions.
“I don’t think it’ll necessarily mean taking over his (Neale’s) role in the midfield, it’s more how can we all support each and help each other be the best midfield in the comp.
“That’s what we’re striving for. That’s what I want to do at the end of the day – be a part of winning flags. My drive and dedication will not waver.”
Ashcroft said it was “pretty sad to see” Fagan depart but an “exciting chapter” loomed for Brisbane.
“I’m so grateful and happy that ‘Fages’ was my coach for the first four years of my career, but he deserves to walk into the sunset and do what he pleases now – he’s earned that right,” he said of the triple-premiership winning mentor.
“I’m so happy for him but also excited for what’s to come with the next person to step up into that role … whether that’s someone internally or a fresh face externally to bring some new ideas to the club.”
Ashcroft endorsed Lions football manager Danny Daly and assistant coach Cam Bruce as potential replacements for Fagan.
“(Bruce) is such a good people person. He has genuine care for all his players, and his football mind is second to none, and it’s the same with Danny,” he said.
“They’re very similar in a lot of ways, but they each bring their unique points to coaching … but the club might want to go in a different direction.
“The club’s made so many great decisions over the journey.”
Originally published as Brisbane star Will Ashcroft backs Lions’ bid for more flags despite Chris Fagan and Lachie Neale exits