AFL Finals: Gary Ayres Award winner crowned as Lion makes history

The prince that was promised has become the king of the jungle. Will Ashcroft has won back-to-back Gary Ayres Awards as the AFL Coaches' Association's best finals player.

Ashcroft was awarded the most votes on the ground by the coaches for his starring role in Saturday's grand final victory over Fremantle, stretching his lead in the race, and confirming his place in history.

The father-son registered 31 disposals and was maximum damage in the last term, as his side snatched the most unbelievable of victories.

Unfathomably, the 22-year-old joins Richmond Tigers legend Dustin Martin (2017, 2019, 2020) as the gong's only multiple-time winners.

Fremantle's Shai Bolton was sensationally awarded the Norm Smith Medal, yet registered the fifth-most votes with the coaches.

Bolton is one of four Dockers to that rounded out the top five of the award.

We are witnessing one of the greatest finals performers of all time. Will Ashcroft spearheads a four goal turnaround in time on for a famous three-peat 🦁 pic.twitter.com/4repF0Sq0Y

— Triple M Footy (@triplemfooty) September 26, 2026

Ashcroft now has two Gary Ayres Awards, keeping his three premierships, two Norm Smith Medals and Goal of the Year gong, company.

Via an AFLCA statement, Ayres - a dual Norm Smith Medallist in his own right - congratulated Ashcroft on his slice of history.

"Winning this award once is a great achievement, but to back it up a year later is truly special,” Ayres said.

“Will has shown that he thrives when the stakes are highest, and his consistency, composure and skill across the finals series have been outstanding.

“He is a deserving back-to-back winner and I congratulate him on this feat.”

 2026-09-26T04:30:00Z 

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