Rising Star nominee Will Ashcroft has praised his father Marcus for placing the best “balance” between being a caring guardian and a soccer confidant.
In simply the second sport of his AFL profession, 18-year-old Will secured the competitors’s spherical 2 Rising Star nomination with a memorable show in Brisbane’s 11-point win over Melbourne on the Gabba.
Will’s efficiency included 31 disposals, together with 9 clearances and a objective.
His Victoria-based father Marcus – a triple-premiership winner with the Lions – was within the Gabba crowd to see his son’s very good exhibiting.
“It was good to have some conversations with him leading into the game and reviewing it after,” Will mentioned.
“I really enjoy that. It’s something I’d like to do for a long time.”
“It’s just having those conversations that lead me in the right direction which I’m really grateful for.
“He’s found that good balance between being that good support network and father figure, instead of always focusing on the footy stuff.
“There’s a good balance there – he picks his moments.”
As does Will, judging by his effort final Friday evening.
And forward of the Lions’ conflict with the struggling Western Bulldogs on Thursday evening, the teenage midfielder has warned he’ll solely get higher.
“I have full belief and confidence in myself. I can improve on last (Friday),” Will mentioned.
“I’ve got so many areas that I can do better in, so I’m looking forward to that challenge.
“Contested ball is where my game stems from, bringing that energy to the contest .., and trying to bring other things into my game.
“I’m not trying to look too far ahead. I’m trying to stick to the process and stick to what I know.”
Will promised the Lions – shock first-round losers to Port Adelaide – wouldn’t fall into the lure of underestimating the Bulldogs, who’ve began the season poorly with successive losses to Melbourne and St Kilda.
“They haven’t had the ideal start to the season. They probably wouldn’t have liked to play that way,” he mentioned.
“(But) the last number of years they’ve always been right at the top and a really good outfit. No doubt they’ll be hungry.
“We potentially looked too far ahead in round 1 and learnt our lesson a little bit.
“We want to achieve big things this season. We know it’s a very long season and we’re just going to keep building each week.”
Originally printed as Rising Star nominee Will Ashcroft grateful to his father Marcus for the assist he offers
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
