How sons of Lions’ royalty forged their own legacies, and can go even further

Their fathers are some of the most famous names in Lions’ history, but this modern-day trio are on the cusp of succeeding their legacies.

After Adrian Fletcher cemented his reputation as one of the old Brisbane Bears’ toughest competitors, before featuring in the Lions’ maiden campaign, Marcus Ashcroft etched his name into the record books within the famed triple premiership-winning sides of the early 2000s.

Now their sons – Jaspa Fletcher and Will Ashcroft – are a win over Fremantle on Saturday away from equalling those three-straight titles. But more remarkably, given Ashcroft senior retired after hoisting the trophy in 2003, they are still in the fledgling stages of their AFL careers.

At just 22, Will has announced himself as one of the code’s leading players in big moments – evidenced by his back-to-back Norm Smith Medals. Another medallion would draw him level with Richmond great Dustin Martin, but make him the first to achieve the feat in consecutive seasons.

His exploits in the preliminary final thriller against Hawthorn – finishing with a goal, 28 disposals, eight clearances, 10 inside 50s and two goal assists – thrust him to the top of the leaderboard in the race for the Gary Ayres Award for the finals series’ most dominant player.

As Fletcher – who joined Will in Brisbane as a father-son draftee in 2023 – declared his close mate “sets his sight on September” from the first rep of preseason, younger brother Levi Ashcroft said his ability to raise his standard in big games stemmed from their childhood.

“It is widely known all the things he does during the week – preparation, nutrition, all the stuff that goes on – he’s doing all the extras the top guys do,” Levi, whose debut season finished with the 2025 premiership, said.

“All that stuff definitely helps him be ready and be prepared for big moments, and it just feels like he elevates himself and his game when those big moments come.

“I feel like that’s the narrative; we’re born to play in these moments, but I feel like with all the hard work we’ve done behind the scenes for 15 years to be ready and feel like we’re prepared for big moments, we really like to attack them and want to make an impact.”

While the Ashcroft siblings have captured headlines, Fletcher’s quieter demeanour and defensive nous has meant his own piece of history has flown under the radar.

On Saturday, the 22-year-old will become the first player of the AFL era to reach the last Saturday of September in each of his first four seasons.

It is ironic, Fletcher laughed, given his junior career included a solitary grand final; one he lost by 100 points. While his first for the Lions ended in defeat to the Magpies in 2023, he believed it proved the catalyst for the club’s back-to-back titles.

“I remember after the game, [coach Chris Fagan’s] first message was ‘sometimes to win a grand final, you have to lose one’.