World News Boy wonders Ashcroft, Reid reunite on AFL stage Blog

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Harley Reid’s influence can be felt even through Will Ashcroft’s meticulous focus as the AFL’s rising stars prepare for their first senior meeting.

Brisbane Lions midfielder Ashcroft and West Coast newcomer Reid last played against each other two years ago. Ashcroft’s Vic Metro defeated Reid’s Vic Country by seven points to win the Under-18 state championship.

They both made the All-Australian team that year. Father-son pick Ashcroft was then drafted second to the Lions and played his debut season at lightning speed before having to undergo knee surgery.

Reid was the Eagles’ first signing and shone in his debut season, while Ashcroft is just two games into a year-long break but is ready to help the up-and-coming Lions push for the finals.

“He was very good for Country that day,” Ashcroft said of their final meeting before Sunday’s clash in Perth.

“We just won, but he had a big influence on their team.

“He’s obviously had an incredible debut season.

“I don’t watch a lot of football outside of our stuff, but it’s hard not to see what he does when he’s playing at a high level most weeks.

“I’m looking forward to playing against him again.”

Ashcroft has quickly earned a reputation as one of the Lions’ hardest-working athletes and said that helped him when he was in the spotlight last season.

“I just tried to focus on things I could control,” he said.

“I love the daily grind of training diligently, recovering, doing my performance tests and things like that so that I’m in the best position to perform at the weekend.

“That’s what I did and that’s the advice I would give (to young players).”

This has helped him fit back in well: In his return game, Ashcroft recorded 18 possessions against Melbourne and then 21 with a goal against Adelaide.

Brisbane started the year poorly, slipping to 2-5, but have won seven and drawn one of their last nine games, leaving them just one win behind the top four.

“We believed in ourselves the whole time. As hard as it was to watch, it was incredible how the guys showed up every week to talk and train when we were struggling a little bit,” he said.

“I’m glad we’ve turned things around.”

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