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AflBreaking
Will Ashcroft makes history by winning second straight Norm Smith Medal
Brisbane Lions midfielder Will Ashcroft has joined an exclusive Grand Final club as he claimed his second straight Norm Smith Medal.
James McKern
September 27, 2025 – 6:07PM
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2025 Norm Smith Medalist crowned
Will Ashcroft has been crowned the back-to-back Norm Smith Medalist.
Will Ashcroft has etched his name into AFL folklore by winning his second straight Norm Smith Medal.
The 21-year-old becomes only the third player in the history of the game to win the award in consecutive years, joining Andrew McLeod (1997, 98) and Dustin Martin (2019, 20).
Watch the best build-up to the 2025 AFL Grand Final, with expert analysis and full Grand Final day coverage, on Fox Footy via Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.
In only his third season in the league, the young Lions star proved once again he’s a big game player as the Brisbane Lions demolished Geelong to go back-to-back.
Ashcroft racked up 32 disposals, 10 clearances, 9 inside 50s, 10 score involvements, 575 metres gained and kicked a goal for good measure.
He had his hand in almost everything as the Lions put the Cats to the sword in a second half for the ages.
Code Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy summed it up perfectly: “Two Norm Smiths and two flags at 21. Will Ashcroft, that is insanity. Could put your feet up and still be considered one of the greats.”
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Will Ashcroft (left) and Lachie Neale of the Lions celebrate during the AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Norm Smith Medal voting
Will Ashcroft – 13 votes (3,3,3,2,2)
Harris Andrews – 6 votes (3,2,1)
Zac Bailey – 5 votes (2,1,1,1)
Jaspa Fletcher – 3 votes (3)
Dayne Zorko – 2 votes (2)
Hugh McCluggage – 1 vote (1)
Andrew McLeod (Chair): – Will Ashcroft (3), Zac Bailey (2), Harris Andrews (1)
Luke Hodge, Channel 7: – Jaspa Fletcher (3), Will Ashcroft (2), Hugh McCluggage (1)
Kate McCarthy, Triple M: – Harris Andrews (3), Will Ashcroft (2), Zac Bailey (1)
Jack Riewoldt, Fox Footy: – Will Ashcroft (3), Harris Andrews (2), Zac Bailey (1)
Adam Simpson, SEN: – Will Ashcroft (3), Dayne Zorko (2), Zac Bailey (1)
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Ashcroft kicks Brisbane further ahead
Will Ashcroft has put another nail in…
The award was a hot topic of conversation as the Lions took control of the match with a host of stars emerging as difference makers.
Charlie Cameron kicked three of his four goals in the second half while Hugh McCluggage ran riot with 26 disposals and four goals.
Young gun Jaspa Fletcher was another with a stunning display as he racked up 29 disposals, the second most for the Lions.
Geelong midfielder Max Holmes was the clear standout in defeat, finishing with a game high 33 disposals and a whopping 907 metres gained.
With the scores being locked up at halftime, the Lions found another gear that the Cats simply couldn’t match in the final two quarters.
More Coverage
‘THIS IS RIDICULOUS’: AFL world in awe as Lions blow Geelong away
Tyson Otto and Matthew Sullivan
Aussie Olympian’s Grand Final humiliation
James McKern
The reigning premiers kicked 13 goals and eight behinds to six goals, three behinds as they ran away to record a second straight Grand Final victory.
The 47-point margin comes after they destroyed the Sydney Swans last year to the tune of 60-points.
In worrying signs for the rest of the AFL, the Lions look set to add even more firepower to their playing list this offseason.
Read related topics:Brisbane
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