Brisbane has signed one of the most important contracts during the trade period, re-signing decorated midfielder Will Ashcroft for four more years.
The two-time premiership player and dual Norm Smith Medalist already had a contract for next year, but has signed an extension that will see him at the Lions until the end of the 2030 season.
At just 21 years old, winning two premierships and Norm Smith Medals in a row would have seen Ashcroft command huge contracts on the open market at the end of next year, but he has turned his back on it to sign with the team.
Ashcroft was selected with pick 2 in the 2022 national draft as a father-son selection, with his father, Marcus, playing 318 games for the club and winning three premierships from 2001 to 2003.
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Ashcroft said the decision was easy to re-sign with the club as they chase a third consecutive premiership next year.
“I am obviously stoked to sign on and play at this great club, and I am super excited for what’s to come in the future," Ashcroft said in a press release from Brisbane.
“We have a club of great people, so it made my decision really easy.”
Ashcroft also won the Gary Ayres medal for the best player throughout the finals series, while his teammate and younger brother Levi joined him and Dad, Marcus, as premiership players after their 2025 triumph.
Brisbane's team will change next year with premiership ruckman Oscar McInerney retiring, while Brandon Starcevich and Deven Robertson (West Coast) and Callum Ah Chee (expected to be Adelaide) will be traded.
The Lions will still be really strong, having added former Essendon ruckman Sam Draper and former West Coast captain and key forward Oscar Allen to the team.