Will Ashcroft Makes History with Back-to-Back Norm Smith Medals
Will Ashcroft, the young midfielder for the Brisbane Lions, has etched his name in AFL history by winning the 2025 Norm Smith Medal for the second consecutive year. This remarkable achievement places him among the elite, becoming only the third player to achieve this feat and the youngest ever to do so.
Ashcroft Joins AFL Legends
The 21-year-old joins Andrew McLeod and Dustin Martin as the only players to win the prestigious award in consecutive years. Ashcroft's performance in the Grand Final cemented his status as a rising star and a dominant force in the league. He is also the fifth player overall to win multiple Norm Smith Medals, alongside Gary Ayres and Luke Hodge.
Luke Hodge, a two-time Norm Smith winner himself, presented the medal to Ashcroft. The award is named after Norm Smith, a legendary figure who coached Melbourne to six premierships.
Grand Final Dominance
Ashcroft's impact on the field was undeniable. He finished the 2025 Grand Final with 32 disposals, 10 clearances, and a crucial goal. His ability to win contests and provide a spark in key moments proved vital to the Lions' victory over Geelong.
Teammate Charlie Cameron lauded Ashcroft's performance, saying, "Two-time Norm Smith is pretty crazy. Back-to-back in a premiership year – it’s unreal."
Norm Smith Medal Voting Breakdown
The voting breakdown reflects Ashcroft's dominance, with him receiving the maximum votes from the majority of the judges:
| Player | Team | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Will Ashcroft | Brisbane Lions | 13 |
| Harris Andrews | Brisbane Lions | 6 |
| Zac Bailey | Brisbane Lions | 5 |
| Jaspa Fletcher | Brisbane Lions | 3 |
| Dayne Zorko | Brisbane Lions | 2 |
| Hugh McCluggage | Brisbane Lions | 1 |
A Family Affair
This year's win was made even more special for Ashcroft as he shared the victory with his younger brother, Levi, who also plays for the Brisbane Lions. Levi Ashcroft bagged a vital goal himself just before half-time.
"But then this year, to build [on that] and then have Levi at the club all the way through was probably a bit more emotional for the family and a pretty amazing feeling to have him here," Ashcroft stated.
Lions Dynasty
The Brisbane Lions' victory marks their second consecutive AFL Premiership, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the league. Ashcroft's back-to-back Norm Smith Medals further cement his legacy and the team’s dominance.
