Why Lions were surprised at late Ashcroft bid as father-son sets eyes on first AFL season

Brisbane Lions Football Manager Danny Daly was surprised at where the bid came for Levi Ashcroft at the 2024 AFL Draft.

The father-son product from the Sandringham Dragons was bid on by Melbourne at pick No. 5, allowing Brisbane to take him at that selection once the points were matched.

While it was still a heavy price to pay, the Lions themselves rated Ashcroft as a top-two player in the draft and were expecting a bid to come there by either the Tigers at No. 1 or North Melbourne at No. 2.

“We were a little bit (surprised at when the bid came),” Daly told SEN The Run Home.

“Look, we had him at No. 1 or 2 and that was where we thought he’d go.

“But we can't control what other clubs think or the reason as to why he went so late.

“The reality was clubs put other players ahead of him and he went at 5, but for us, he was definitely No. 1 or 2.”

While Ashcroft hasn’t been able to join full training yet due to off-season shoulder surgery, the Lions have seen enough from him during past trips of the club to know they’ve got a player on their hands.

Daly is excited for the son of a gun to play alongside his Norm Smith Medal-winning brother Will in 2025.

“He’s previously been able to train with us for a week or two before being drafted, so he knew most of the boys,” Daly said.

“He was quick to go straight to the number 10 locker when he got in, we knew straight away that was going to be his number.

“Unfortunately for him, he's had a bit of a shoulder operation, so he's in our rehab group in the minute and running really well.

“He’s really frustrated that he's not out there doing the drills, but hopefully post-Christmas he'll be able to get out there.

“He's a real competitor, very much like his brother and it’s an interesting combination we’ve got there.”

Brisbane begin their 2025 season with a season-opening clash against Geelong on Thursday, March 6 at the Gabba.