Brisbane Lions talent Will Ashcroft has been struck down by a season-ending knee injury following the 11-point win over Geelong at the Gabba on Saturday.
The 18-year-old was helped from the field during the final term and subbed out, with the Lions confirming the significance of the injury on Sunday.
With the Rising Star favourite out of action, The Sporting News has all the latest.
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What is Will Ashcroft's injury?
On Sunday, Brisbane Lions confirmed Ashcroft had torn his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the last quarter of the match against the Cats.
"We are all hurting for Will because you never want to see any player experience a serious injury, especially a player in their first season," Brisbane football boss Danny Daly said.
"Our main priority is for everyone at the club to wrap their arms around Will and do everything we can to support him and his family in any way we can.
"Will is super professional in everything he does, so we know he will do everything he can to recover from this."
How did Will Ashcroft get injured?
Ashcroft's knee buckled in a tackle in the last quarter with the Lion staying on the ground after the incident.
Eventually he was tended to by medical staff before he was helped from the field by two trainers.
Ashcroft was subbed out of the game by the Lions once the injury was assessed as serious.
"Tonight, the Lions are fearing the worst, a potential ACL".
— 7AFL (@7AFL) July 22, 2023
Fingers crossed for Will Ashcroft 🤞@cleary_mitch pic.twitter.com/aTxsOv2UzE
Will the injury affect Will Ashcroft's Rising Star chances?
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At the time of his injury, Will Ashcroft was the bookies' favourite to win the AFL Rising Star award - the best player under 21 who has played 10 or fewer games at the start of the season.
However, at the time of publication, North Melbourne's Harry Sheezel had moved into slight favouritism, with St Kilda utility Mitch Owens the only other player with a realistic chance of winning the award.
Ashcroft's injury comes with only five rounds left in the regular season, but it still leaves Sheezel and Owens some time to impress the award judges.
You would think Ashcroft's season has been strong enough so far, but dominance from the two chasers could put them in contention for the gong.
Will Ashcroft's 2023 debut season
Ashcroft, son of Brisbane three-time premiership winner Marcus, was taken at pick 2 in the 2022 AFL Draft and played all 18 games in 2023 until his injury.
The midfield talent immediately slotted into the Lions engine room and has averaged 22 disposals, four clearances and four tackles a game.
On two occasions Ashcroft has cracked 30 possessions and has hit 20-plus nine times.
