Marcus Ashcroft is a former AFL footballer who played as a midfielder and defender for the Brisbane Bears and Brisbane Lions between 1989 and 2003. He played 318 and was a triple Premiership player with the Brisbane Lions.
Born in Melbourne but raised on the Gold Coast, Marcus Ashcroft’s football journey started early. He honed his skills playing for the Surfers Paradise Demons and Southport Sharks, showcasing his talent and dedication from a young age. In 1988, at just 16, he made his senior debut for Southport in the Queensland Australian Football League (QAFL).
Joining the fledgling Brisbane Bears in 1988, Ashcroft made his debut in Round 9, 1989 against North Melbourne.
His career wasn’t defined by individual accolades and he wasn’t the flashiest midfielder, but his value lay in his unwavering versatility. He could seamlessly transition from midfield dominance to defensive lockdown, tackling anything that came his way. His consistency was remarkable, evidenced by a record-breaking 150 consecutive games streak.
The true testament to Ashcroft’s significance arrived in the early 2000s. He was a vital cog in the Brisbane Bears’ metamorphosis into the powerful Brisbane Lions, playing a crucial role in their historic three-peat premierships (2001, 2002, 2003).
In 2003, Ashcroft became the first Queenslander to play 300 AFL games, before retiring at the end of the season.
In 2008, Ashcroft joined the Gold Coast Suns in a coaching role, prior to their inception into the AFL in 2011. He then moved into the Football Manager role in which he stayed until 2017.
Given his significant role at both clubs, the player that is best on ground in matches between Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast, also known as the QClash, are awarded the Marcus Ashcroft Medal named in his honour.
Marcus’ son, Will Ashcroft, was selected at Pick #2 as a Father/Son selection in 2022 AFL National Draft and currently plays for the Brisbane Lions.
