Lions great Simon Black backs Ashcroft for leadership role
· fitness
Succeeding Neale: Why Lions great believes snubbed Ashcroft is scratching the surface
The Brisbane Lions’ recent capitulation against the Swans has left fans reeling, and one thing is clear: Will Ashcroft is ready to take on the mantle of leadership in the midfield. Simon Black, a three-time premiership hero and current Lions great, believes Ashcroft has what it takes to spearhead his team into flag contention.
Black’s endorsement comes as no surprise given Ashcroft’s impressive form this season. With 30 or more touches in nine consecutive games, Ashcroft has cemented himself as one of the AFL’s brightest young stars. His exclusion from the All-Australian side was seen as an unlucky snub by many, and Black is adamant that Ashcroft will not be kept down for long.
The Lions’ midfield, led by Lachie Neale, has been a driving force behind their finals campaigns. However, with Neale’s impending departure to Collingwood in 2027, it’s clear that Brisbane needs to chart a new path forward. Black believes Ashcroft is ready to step up and fill the void left by Neale, citing his exceptional work rate, creativity on the field, and ability to get boot to ball quickly around stoppages.
The Crows’ scoring power is a concern for the Lions as they head into their next match against Adelaide. However, Black is confident that Brisbane can find its defensive pressure and kick a score close enough to winning. The team has shown an ability to bounce back from ordinary games throughout the season, and Black points out that this resilience will be crucial in their upcoming match.
Black’s comments also raise questions about the Lions’ approach to finals football. After being humbled by Geelong in the opening week of the finals last year, they went on to conquer the Cats on grand final day. However, this year’s defeat against Sydney has raised greater alarm bells, and Black acknowledges that it was a “lethargic” performance.
The physical and mental toll of deep finals campaigns is a concern for Brisbane, with many players feeling the burden of repeated disappointment. Black empathizes with this sentiment, having felt it himself after four-straight grand final appearances for the Lions from 2001 to 2004.
As the Lions head into their next match, they need to find their defensive pressure and demonstrate that they can bounce back from setbacks. Will Ashcroft be able to lead his team to victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: he has the potential to become a dominant force in the AFL.
The stakes are high for Brisbane as they chase a triple-title dynasty, but Black’s comments are a reassuring reminder that they have the know-how and resilience to overcome adversity. As the Lions take on the Crows at the Gabba, fans will be watching with bated breath to see if Ashcroft can lead his team to victory and cement his place in AFL history.
The stage is set for an epic battle between two of the AFL’s most storied clubs, with Ashcroft at the forefront of the action. Will he be able to lead his team to victory and cement his place in history? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – this moment will define not just the Lions’ season, but their very identity as a club.
Reader Views
- CTCoach Tara M. · strength coach
What Simon Black is saying about Ashcroft isn't just warm fuzzies - he's laying down a challenge to the Lions' coaches to give this kid the reins and see if he can take the team to the promised land. But here's the thing: leadership roles are as much about personality as they are about talent, and we haven't seen enough of Ashcroft's game sense in critical moments yet. Can he stay focused under pressure? Time will tell, but it's a risk worth taking if you ask me.
- TGThe Gym Desk · editorial
The Lions' midfield void is a massive challenge to fill after Lachie Neale's departure, but will Ashcroft be the answer? Black's endorsement is certainly timely given Ashcroft's remarkable form this season, but we can't overlook the fact that Brisbane still lacks depth and versatility in its midfield. For all his work rate and creativity, Ashcroft is yet to demonstrate a sustained period of dominance under pressure - something he'll need to prove if he's to lead the Lions to premiership glory.
- DRDevon R. · former athlete
The Lions are still trying to find their mojo after last week's capitulation and Simon Black thinks Ashcroft is the key to unlocking their finals potential. I agree he's got the talent, but let's not forget that Brisbane needs to develop a more consistent game plan for stopping opposition forwards, rather than just relying on their midfield stars to bail them out every time. If they can iron out those defensive lapses and bring some cohesion to their attacking play, Ashcroft will be the perfect catalyst to drive them forward.