Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has praised the “professionalism” of father-son choose Will Ashcroft after confirming the 18-year-old midfielder would make his AFL debut on Saturday in opposition to Port Adelaide.
In an deal with to his gamers, Fagan mentioned that whereas it wasn’t a shock that Ashcroft would debut in spherical one, there was “no question” he could be chosen for the conflict at Adelaide Oval such had been the impression he had made within the pre-season.
“It wouldn’t be one of the biggest surprises in AFL footy that Will was going to play his first game (this weekend),” Fagan mentioned in entrance of Ashcroft and his teammates.
“The thing that strikes all of us is that you’ve come here with a big reputation which you’ve earned through your under 18 years, but you’ve showed us all with your professionalism and your hard work, and then your performance in practice matches, that there’s no question that your deserve to be selected.
“Well done on that and just keep going with the same attitude and that’ll take you a long way, so welcome to the team.”
Fagan urged Ashcroft simply to “play your role”.
“That’s all you need to do, which is what you’ve been doing all summer, and that’ll be good enough for us.
Ashcroft, the son of Lions triple premiership-winning player Marcus Ashcroft was grateful for the support he had received from Fagan and the Brisbane’ playing squad.
“I came into the pre-season eyeing this (round one selection) off and I wanted to play pretty early, and I’m glad it’s happening from an individual standpoint, but I look forward to playing in this side,” Ashcroft mentioned in entrance of the workforce and employees,
“There’s been a whole lot of hype across the workforce. I am unable to wait to play and get into it with you boys, so thanks.”
Despite the absence of injured trio Dayne Zorko (hamstring), Darcy Gardiner (ankle) and Callum Ah Chee (quad), the Lions have named a robust aspect to satisfy Port.
Cameron Rayner, who spent the pre-season enjoying in defence, has been named within the forwards, whereas Irishman and former Essendon speedster Conor McKenna has been chosen in Brisbane’s half-back line,
Like McKenna, prized recruits Josh Dunkley and Jack Gunston will make their first AFL appearances for the Lions, whereas 19-year-old midfielder James Tunstill, who performed three video games final season, has been named on the interchange bench.
Originally printed as Will Ashcroft to debut for Brisbane Lions in spherical one conflict in opposition to Port Adelaide
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
