Best in the comp? The potential Will Ashcroft trajectory

Will Ashcroft has the scope to become the best player in the AFL.

That is the opinion of Cam Mooney who has been impressed by the heights the 21-year-old midfielder has reached in his fledgling career to date.

Mooney was asked by a caller where he sees Ashcroft’s career trajectory given he’s already achieved so much in just 58 games, including two premierships, two Norm Smith Medals and a Gary Ayres Award.

“If he keeps on this rise and gets better than this again and again and again, and we’re talking about another 12 years of a career, who knows?,” Mooney said on SEN Breakfast.

“Who knows exactly where he will sit by the end of his career. What he has done as a 20/21-year-old already, I find it extraordinary. I couldn’t tie my own shoelaces at 21, and he’s out there winning Norm Smiths back-to-back.

“He really is someone we’re going to watch for at least the next decade become arguably the best player in the comp, maybe.

“That’s where his trajectory is going.”

Given the state of the Lions’ list, Mooney believes Ashcroft will get plenty of chances to continue performing at the highest level.

And even if there is a Brisbane lull for whatever reason, he’s young enough to enjoy more success later in his playing days.

“The biggest thing about it is they’re going to have another tilt at it,” Mooney added.

“They’ve got some older guys who are in ripping nick and they are so young everywhere else.

“It’s scary what Brisbane is going to do in the next 12 to 18 months.

“Because he is so young, he’ll have his time again even if they do have a fall off at some stage. Even in the backend of his career he’ll have another tilt at something (again).”

Ashcroft has played in 43 wins from his 58 career games to date, and has racked up 20 or more disposals in each of his eight finals appearances (seven wins).

He finished third behind Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage in this year’s Merrett-Murray Medal.