Adding to an already brimming midfield contingent, Lions draftees Levi Ashcroft and Sam Marshall have thrust their names into the selection mix, keeping their more established teammates on high alert.
But where the dynamic duo fit into a premiership-winning outfit remains unclear, with Brisbane star Josh Dunkley admitting it was “too early” to know when their AFL chance would come.
Ashcroft has been regarded as one of the nation’s most promising talents, with his work rate, decision-making and “incredible touch and finesse” behind three Sandringham Dragons’ titles.
Levi Ashcroft has joined brother Will at the Brisbane Lions.Credit: Wayne Taylor
He averaged 25.5 disposals in the AFL National Championships, before making 35 touches on VFL debut and joining his brother, Will, at the Lions.
Marshall, meanwhile, arrives after a Coates Talent League grand final best-on-ground performance, while also averaging 27 disposals (9.8 contested), four clearances and 3.8 tackles in the national championships to earn All Australian honours.
But for all of their talent, there appears to be limited opportunities to break into a midfield group consisting of two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft, vice-captain Hugh McCluggage and Dunkley.
Yet Dunkley was adamant the youngsters had key roles to play – in much the same way that Kai Lohmann, Logan Morris and Jaspa Fletcher did in breaking Brisbane’s 21-year title drought.
“Injuries are part of the game, they’re always going to happen, and I’m sure they’ll get their opportunity when it comes … and take it with both hands,” Dunkley said.
“Sammy has been really impressive for me, his running ability has been incredible. He can break lines, he takes the game on, and he’s putting on size now as well.
“Those two boys are going to do incredibly well and push the guys who have been here for quite a while – and that’s going to make us get better.”
While the hustle for midfield berths kicked off during their first match simulation in Maroochydore on Friday, one concern for the club to address remains the void left in the forward line.
Joe Daniher’s retirement has been compounded by Eric Hipwood’s injury concerns, having battled a groin issue in 2024 that he continues to nurse.
But Lions co-captain Harris Andrews said the 27-year-old had now started running again post-surgery, and was confident he would recover to launch the outfit’s quest towards back-to-back premierships.
“I’m not exactly sure what that looks like in regards to when he’ll be back to full training, but if I know Eric well – and I think I do – he’s quite stubborn, and he’ll work hard to make sure he gets back a little bit earlier if needed,” Andrews said.
“The role he plays is somewhat unrecognised outside our four walls. His ability to get up and down the ground and find an outlet for guys like myself when we have the ball in the backline looking for someone, he’s always there for us.
“The way he played the back half of last year under a fair bit of duress was certainly courageous.”
