2024 Brisbane father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft is ready to follow "my own journey" despite the strong similarities that are drawn to his brother and young Lions star, Will.
Much like his older brother, Levi is set to enter his draft year as one of the leading contenders to go No.1 at next November's count following an impressive bottom-age season that included National Championships honours.
The Vic Metro midfielder earned U18 All-Australian honours in 2023 as one of just three 2006-born prospects to be named in the side, while Ashcroft would also edge out Western Bulldogs Pick 6 selection Ryley Sanders for the best and fairest title at the Sandringham Dragons.
The son of triple premiership Lion Marcus Ashcroft, Levi is anticipated to follow in his brother's footsteps as a father-son selection with Brisbane in less than a year, however the exciting teenager is ready to make a name for himself despite the strong family and football ties.
Much like his brother, Levi is a classy onballer and a natural leader, however he wants to be "his own person" on his dream journey to the AFL.
"We're the same sort of player, but a different personality. Same player on the field but I feel like I've got a few different things," Ashcroft said of the comparisons with his brother.
"He's probably quicker than me and gets a lot of the ball like I do as well. So we're pretty similar, but I like to be a little bit different.
"I don't know if I have much over him but I'd probably say my defensive efforts may be something that's a little better, but he's incredible in his own right. I'd love to be as good as he is at the same age, so hopefully I can get there.
"I played with him when I was in year nine at school footy and at Sandy last year, I've loved it.
"There's no pressure for me with him. He's his own person. I'm my own person. I'm on my own journey and he's obviously going so well, so I'm happy for him and hopefully I can follow in his steps."
After claiming the Talent League title last year beside his brother, Levi helped lead the Dragons to a successive premiership in 2023 while balancing his bottom-age campaign with Vic Metro and school football.
Ashcroft's plate is set to be full next year when he adds AFL Academy duties and stints with Brisbane to his calendar while pushing for an unprecedented third Talent League flag with Sandringham.
Having learnt from his brother and 2023 Rising Star winner Harry Sheezel over the last 18 months, Ashcroft believes setting higher standards will be key to playing at the level he desires throughout a busy year.
"I just think professionalism (can be the difference)," he said.
"I've learned off people like Will and Harry Sheezel, who were so professional in their own right and I learnt so much mainly off the field.
"They're so professional, they get the ice baths and they go do all the extras as well as the footy stuff that gives them the edge.
"I'm trying to implement that into my footy."
AFL National Academy manager Tarkyn Lockyer echoed Ashcroft's own outlook when asked what makes the impressive teenager stand out from the rest, with the Collingwood 200-gamer stating the likely future Lion is as professional as they come at his age.
Lockyer said that while the Ashcroft brothers might draw plenty of similarities on the field, the pair set standards in their own way off it.
"Levi's his own person. They are very different individuals, although they both play pretty well and have a lot of similar traits on the field," Lockyer said when questioned by Zero Hanger.
"The thing that stands out? He's professional. He knows what he wants to do. He's very driven and his skill level stands out which is terrific."
Ashcroft is set to spend time training with Brisbane over the summer as part of the AFL Academy program, with Lions Academy prospect Sam Marshall also set to make the trip north.
Brisbane are hoping to have the pair join their program when possible throughout 2024, with Ashcroft having already partaken in sessions with the Lions' squad since last year.
The talented teenager is always keen to join Chris Fagan's ranks, wth Ashcroft potentially adding VFL commitments to his portfolio next year if the opportunity arises, having seen his brother do the same on a trio of occasions in 2022.
"It's been amazing. Another high-level environment with some great AFL players," Ashcroft said.
"Obviously they made the grand final [this] year, playing some really good footy. To be around that and to be to be playing with Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley.
"Learning off them has been incredible."
After training with the AFL Academy and meeting clubs over the past week, Ashcroft and 25 other top-rated 2024 prospects are set to reunite in April for their first showcase match against an unnamed VFL squad.
