GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 26: Will Ashcroft of Vic Metro celebrates a goal during the U17 Championships match between Vic Country and Vic Metro at GMHBA Stadium on June 26, 2021 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos)
Top AFL Draft prospect Will Ashcroft has conceded he remains "undecided" on nominating for Brisbane as a father-son selection or leaving his chances to the earliest bidder at the end of the year.
Ashcroft entered 2022 as one of the more highly-touted names in his draft class, and has only strengthened his prospects as the likely No.1 pick, having been a dominant force in the NAB League with the Sandringham Dragons as well as the front man for Vic Metro in the National Championships.
Averaging 35 and 33 disposals per game across both leagues respectively, Ashcroft has cemented himself as one of the most promising and ready-made teenagers on the cusp of an AFL career.
But while the son of three-time Brisbane premiership player Marcus Ashcroft could walk to the Lions as a father-son selection atop the draft board, the 18-year-old, who models his game on former No.1 pick and Blues star Sam Walsh, is continuing to assess his options in returning to Queensland or likely remaining in Melbourne.
North Melbourne are currently in pole position to land the first overall selection, and with or without Ashcroft's potential Lions alliance, the Roos could still select the Dragons ball magnet with their opening pick.
West Coast are seemingly the only other club that remain a chance to fall to 18th on the AFL ladder and open the 2022 National Draft proceedings, an outcome that could be a catalyst in Ashcroft's thinking.
Should the Perth-based powerhouse be equipped with Pick 1, Ashcroft could consider locking in his services at Brisbane as a father-son selection, denying any move to Western Australia.
Speaking on the Goes Alright podcast, the Sandringham son-of-a-gun opened up on the difficult decision that awaits, having been torn between like in Queensland or Victoria.
"I'm still, truthfully, undecided," Ashcroft said. "There's still a lot of water to go on to the bridge.
"Obviously, Brisbane is an amazing spot to play and then yeah, staying in Melbourne still looms for sure.
"I'm still working through that process. [I'm] definitely in the midst of it and we'll see what eventuates."
Ashcroft grew up on the Gold Coast as his father was employed with the Suns, playing his junior football with Broadbeach and Southport before eventually moving to Melbourne and continuing his studies at Brighton Grammar.
Speaking on his life in Melbourne and love for the Sunshine State, which has seen an influx in following for the football in recent years.
"There's pros and cons to both," he said.
"The weather is definitely a lot better on the Gold Coast. I probably miss that a little bit.
"But yeah, It's a footy state, I love everything about what Melbourne has to offer footy-wise.
"I think it's definitely growing especially with the implementation of the women's stuff over the last few years, that's taken off.
"I know a lot of different people who probably weren't as interested in footy in Queensland, but now they love it. They're interested in the AFL stuff as well. So it's definitely growing and will continue to grow for sure."
With his dad still closely knit with past premiership teammates in Brad Scott and Nigel Lappin, Ashcroft is never too far away from gaining advice from some of this century's best, while his own senior coach, Wayne Cripps, and former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne midfielder Ben Jacobs, a midfield coach at Brighton Grammar, have played an integral part in his development.
But overall, it's Ashcroft's professionalism and dedication to the craft that has seen him sky-rocket into draft calculations in recent years, owning a strong work ethic, mindset and leadership qualities to better his ability with each game.
"I've put in a lot of work over many years to get where I am at the moment and I'll continue to do that," he said.
"It's no accident, I've put in the work and have the belief to do it. So I just come out and do it each week.
"I'm really enjoying it. Something that's probably helped me stay away from the media stuff is just looking to help others.
"Being captain of the Dragons, leadership and other roles with Metro, I think it's important to try and help others along and help their progression as well and hopefully get them drafted.
"So that's sort of shifted the focus away from my story a little bit, trying to help others... it's definitely something I value really highly.
"I've always been somewhat professional and I'll try to build on that definitely this year.
"I think staying in the moment, enjoying the company of my teammates (is the best way to prepare for the AFL), and then there's trying to prepare for an AFL environment and set myself out the best I can to launch straight into it."
While Ashcroft has been head and shoulders above fellow AFL hopefuls, the well-rounded onballer has proven his capability to match it with experienced AFL-listed players.
Across two appearances in the VFL, Ashcroft averaged 28 disposals, 8 tackles, 4 marks, 4.5 clearances and 5.5 inside 50s, featuring among the Lions' best in the two victories.
Speaking on the experience, having been able to work alongside the likes of Mitch Robinson and Rhys Mathieson, Ashcroft said the experience was worthwhile.
"It was awesome," he said. "Lining up with Mitch Robbo (Robinson) and Rhys Mathieson was pretty cool.
"They're unbelievable people and players. So that was awesome. I really enjoyed the two games I played.
"Playing alongside those guys, they definitely provided a helping hand getting the ball out to you and supporting you.
"I think just sticking to what I know and doing what I do, that was reflected, just to keep playing how I play."
Known for his explosive ability from the contest and elite aerobic capacity, Ashcroft has shown a strong resemblance to Blues star Sam Walsh.
Now in the frame to join the reigning Carlton best and fairest winner, Suns gun Matt Rowell and first-year Collingwood sensation Nick Daicos in being among the top selections of their draft class, Ashcroft has closely studied some of the emerging midfielders in the AFL to aid his own attributes.
"Sam Walsh is one that comes to mind straight away," Ashcroft said of the player who he models his game on.
"I think his ability to win it on the inside, how clean he is below his knees. He can break the game open on the outside as well. Run and carry, break the defence open and the hitting the scoreboard as well.
"That's something I pride myself on and he does that pretty well.
"Seeing those guys do it, it's pretty cool to watch and definitely something I aspire to be.
"If I keep putting the work in and speaking to the right people, learning as I go, then I think I can definitely come in and try do something similar to those guys."
Ashcroft's next outing will come against the Eastern Ranges on August 6, with the Dragons scheduled for a bye this weekend.