Will Ashcroft is set for a long stint on the sidelines after scans confirmed the Brisbane Lions young gun sustained a serious knee injury during his AFL side’s win over Geelong.
Ashcroft, this season’s Rising Star favourite, clutched at his right knee during the final quarter of Saturday’s contest at the Gabba and limped off the field.
Scans have since confirmed Ashcroft ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
“We are all hurting for Will because you never want to see any player experience a serious injury, especially a player in their first season,” Lions football boss Danny Daly said.
“Will is super professional in everything he does, so we know he will do everything he can to recover from this.
“Our main priority is for everyone at the club to wrap their arms around Will and do everything we can to support him and his family.”
Ashcroft’s injury took the gloss off Brisbane’s 9.10 (64) to 7.11 (53) win over Geelong, which kept their hopes of a top-two finish alive.
“It’s dampened my mood … I don’t like to see that for any player at any club, anytime,” Lions coach Chris Fagan said post-match.
Ashcroft, the son of Brisbane premiership great Marcus Ashcroft, has played all 18 matches so far in his debut season.
The 19-year-old, who averages 22 disposals a game, could still win the Rising Star and is among the contenders for goal-of-the-year after a stunning effort against Fremantle in April.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Best.of luck to him, these things sometimes take 2 years to fully recover from and hit the form you were in before hand but he has youth and character on his side from what you hear about him and who knows a year or so off may actually help his body and prolong his career in the long run. :boxing:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Never great news when a young gun does his ACL so early in his career. Clay Smith for the dogs was also riddled with many ACL’s ruined his brilliant career. 50 odd games, premiership gun.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
Sports medicine and surgery works. At 18 , he'll come back better.
Broken Shoulder
Roar Rookie
This one hurts. Such a gun for our side and only in his first year. He can come back from this. Take your time, Will. Don’t rush these things.
Ando7369
Roar Rookie
Shocking news
FWIW
Roar Rookie
Devastating news. Ashcroft will miss this year's premiership, and his career will subsequently be defined by his rise to become a top 3 player in the comp, with a team being built around to him to get that elusive flag.