Brisbane Lions’ young superstar, and now finals specialist, Will Ashcroft has taken out the 2025 Gary Ayres award, becoming the youngest player ever to do so.
Ashcroft has now established himself as one of the premier big game players in the league, adding another Norm Smith Medal to his collection, along with the Gary Ayres award.
At just 21 years of age, he became the youngest recipient of the award, pipping Sam Walsh who won the award in 2023 at 22 years old.
Ashcroft finished ahead of his captain Harris Andrews, Hawthorn star Jai Newcombe and Brisbane teammates Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey.
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Heading into the final game of the season, Newcombe was leading the Gary Ayres award with a stellar 18 votes from his three matches played.
But Ashcroft's sublime Grand Final performance where he polled 13.5 votes - 1.5 votes shy of a perfect match - along with polling in the Semi Final and Preliminary Final proved to be too much as he finished with 26.5 votes.
"Will's performances in all finals have been a masterclass in composure and skill," said Hawthorn legend Gary Ayres on afl.com.au.
"His ability to shine under pressure, and once again perform in the Grand Final is remarkable,”
"His performances will leave a lasting impact on the AFL finals landscape and he is a very worthy winner of this Award. Congratulations Will."
Gary Ayres Medal - Top 10 Leaderboard
- 26.5 Will Ashcroft (Brisbane)
- 22.5 Harris Andrews (Brisbane)
- 18 Jai Newcombe (Hawthorn)
- 17.5 Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)
- 11.5 Zac Bailey (Brisbane)
- 11 Mark Blicavs (Geelong)
- 10 Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
- 10 Darcy Moore (Collingwood)
- 10 Caleb Serong (Fremantle)