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Brisbane Lions star Hugh McCluggage believes Will Ashcroft’s reputation as a player made for the big stage is about to be strengthened ahead of the reigning Norm Smith Medal winner’s showdown with Collingwood rival Nick Daicos.
In an emphatic bounceback after the Lions’ humbling against Geelong in the qualifying final, Ashcroft’s two goals, 28 disposals and eight clearances against Gold Coast completely outshone Suns young stars Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson.
His younger brother, Levi, meanwhile, showcased the same speed down the wing that has led to his standing as the Rising Star favourite.
Bands of brothers: (left to right) Josh Daicos, Nick Daicos, Levi Ashcroft, Will Ashcroft.Credit: Matt Willis
When the brothers last combined against the Magpies, they collected 52 disposals, eight clearances and five inside 50s between them, and McCluggage sensed another breakout clash beckoned at the MCG.
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“We saw on the weekend Will played an amazing game. I think he really thrives on those big games and playing well in the finals. We expect him to do what he needs to do again this weekend,” McCluggage said.
“Levi as well. I was talking to him yesterday and I mentioned something about how we’re playing Downball and I said we used to play this in school, and Levi goes: ‘Yeah, just last year.’
“It’s hard to believe he was running around as a 17-year-old last year and still at school because he’s fitting in really well.
“He plays like a mature 21-, 22-, 23-year-old – as do a lot of our young boys – so it’s a testament to them, and also the program we’ve got in place.”
But for all the strengths the Ashcrofts bring to the fore, the Magpies’ Daicos duo – Nick and Josh – have been the most feared sibling union in the AFL.
Despite Brisbane securing a 27-point win in their last encounter, the Collingwood wizards were dominant, combining for 58 disposals and 10 inside 50s to keep their side in the hunt.
While Josh has generated plenty of downfield momentum – averaging 26.9 disposals and five rebounds – McCluggage stressed that “winning the contest” would be central to the Lions’ chances of reaching a third-straight grand final.
That is an area in which Will and Nick are evenly matched.
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But McCluggage revealed co-captain Lachie Neale had been working closely with Ashcroft to ensure he was up to the task, as the two-time Brownlow Medallist plotted a shock comeback from a calf injury in time for the grand final.
“Lachie’s been awesome, he’s stayed really involved in the team. He’s come out and said he’s pushing for that grand final, so that just keeps him motivated to work hard,” McCluggage said.
“He’s been away doing what he needs to do individually, but he’s been in all our team meetings helping the boys.
“He works closely with guys like Will to make sure they’re ready to go for the game ahead, and he’s still speaking up in our line meetings helping us with all his experience and knowledge that he’s gained from past finals.”
McCluggage will undoubtedly have a major role in defying the Daicos threat, stressing his focus will be on “running both ways, defensively and offensively” to limit the carnage that Collingwood’s leading men could inflict.
The first-time All Australian responded to a heavy tag by Cats maestro Oisin Mullin, with his knee heavily strapped, to tear the Gold Coast apart with 33 disposals – including a career-best 22 handballs.
The 27-year-old’s evolution in that area – a strength of the Ashcrofts, who boast 88 per cent efficiency, compared to the Daicos’ 80 per cent – could be crucial in navigating the strong pressure game the Magpies have built their campaign on.
McCluggage declared that while he was disappointed with his performance against Geelong, his knee issues had nothing to do with what took place.
“There wouldn’t be a player in the comp who isn’t playing with some sort of niggle; it just happens to be that mine looks a little worse because I’ve got a heap of tape around my knee,” McCluggage said.
“But it really isn’t too bad, and I don’t put any of the blame on the way I performed on my body. I was ready to go ... I’m feeling as good as I’ve felt for this time of year, despite what you might see.”
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