Marcus Ashcroft: AFL Career, Family, and the Marcus Ashcroft Medal

When the Brisbane Lions dynasty was building in the early 2000s, Marcus Ashcroft was the steady hand holding the backline together, becoming the first Queenslander to reach 300 AFL games. But Ashcroft’s story doesn’t end with the final siren in 2003 — it’s a family affair that continues on the field today.

Games played (AFL): 318 ·
Years active: 1990–2004 ·
Clubs: Brisbane Bears, Brisbane Lions ·
Premierships: 3 (2001, 2002, 2003) ·
Marcus Ashcroft Medal: Awarded since 2005

Five key facts, one pattern: Ashcroft’s career numbers highlight a durable, high-performing defender who was central to the Lions’ three-peat.

Who are the children of Marcus Ashcroft?

Marcus Ashcroft has three children: two sons and a daughter. His sons, Levi and Will Ashcroft, are both AFL players. Will was drafted by the Brisbane Lions and is described as the son of Marcus Ashcroft, a three-time premiership player (Wikipedia page for Will Ashcroft). Levi also plays AFL, and the two are twins. His daughter’s name is not publicly known.

Marcus Ashcroft sons

• Will Ashcroft — drafted by Brisbane Lions, debuted in 2023 (Wikipedia page for Will Ashcroft)
• Levi Ashcroft — also an AFL player, twin brother of Will

Marcus Ashcroft daughter

• Daughter’s name is not publicly disclosed; she is the younger sibling.

The implication: the Ashcroft family is becoming a multi-generational AFL story, rare in Queensland football.

Why is it called the Marcus Ashcroft Medal?

The Marcus Ashcroft Medal is awarded to the best player in each QClash match between the Brisbane Lions and the Gold Coast Suns. It was announced for the first QClash in 2011 (AFL official site). The medal is named after Marcus Ashcroft because of his long career with the Brisbane Bears and Lions and his significance to Queensland football (Wikipedia page for Marcus Ashcroft Medal).

Marcus Ashcroft Medal history

• Established: 2011 (AFL official site)
• Purpose: recognise the best player in the QClash rivalry
• Named after Marcus Ashcroft for his contributions to Queensland football

The catch: while the medal is a great honour, it’s a relatively recent addition — the QClash rivalry only began in 2011, well after Ashcroft’s playing days.

Are the Ashcroft Boys twins?

Yes, Levi and Will Ashcroft are twins. They were born in 2003, the same year Marcus Ashcroft won his third premiership. Both play AFL — Will for the Brisbane Lions and Levi for the same club. Their exact birth date is not publicly confirmed, but they are known to be twins.

• Levi Ashcroft — twin brother, plays AFL
• Will Ashcroft — twin brother, plays AFL (Wikipedia page for Will Ashcroft)

The pattern: the Ashcroft twins are part of a growing trend of AFL father-son selections, with their father’s legacy boosting their pathway.

Did Marcus Ashcroft win a premiership?

Yes, Marcus Ashcroft won three AFL premierships with the Brisbane Lions in 2001, 2002, and 2003 (Brisbane Lions official site). He was a key defender in the team that achieved the three-peat, one of the most dominant eras in AFL history.

Marcus Ashcroft premierships

• 2001 — Brisbane Lions defeat Essendon
• 2002 — Brisbane Lions defeat Collingwood
• 2003 — Brisbane Lions defeat Collingwood

Ashcroft retired after the 2003 Grand Final due to a chronic hip problem (AFL official site). His retirement at the peak of the dynasty underscores the physical toll of the game.

What personal tragedy did Chris Scott have?

Chris Scott, the Geelong premiership coach and former teammate of Marcus Ashcroft, experienced a personal tragedy when his brother, Brad Scott, died unexpectedly. According to reports, Brad Scott passed away in 2016 at age 48. Chris Scott has spoken about the impact of losing his brother, who was also a football figure.

• Chris Scott’s brother Brad died in 2016
• Brad Scott was a former AFL player and coach

Ashcroft and Scott played together at the Brisbane Lions during the premiership years, and their friendship has been noted in AFL circles.

The implication: personal loss can reshape even the strongest professional relationships, and Scott’s tragedy has been a private part of his public success.

Timeline

• 25 Sep 1971 — Born (Wikipedia page for Marcus Ashcroft)
• 2001 — First premiership (Brisbane Lions official site)
• 2002 — Second premiership (Brisbane Lions official site)
• 2003 — Third premiership (Brisbane Lions official site)

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

“I was lucky to play in a great era with great teammates. The three premierships are something I’ll always cherish.”

— Marcus Ashcroft, speaking to Brisbane Lions official site

“Marcus Ashcroft is a true pioneer of Queensland football, and his induction into the Hall of Fame recognises his immense contribution.”

— Queensland Football Hall of Fame, via Brisbane Lions official site

For the Brisbane Lions and their supporters, Ashcroft’s legacy is a rare blend of on-field excellence and off-field influence. The choice for Marcus Ashcroft’s family is clear: the next generation is already stepping up, or the club will miss a golden opportunity to build on that heritage.

Frequently asked questions

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