Brisbane Lions bolstered by multiple recoveries, promising youngster in contention following year-long absence

The Brisbane Lions squad has been bolstered with multiple recoveries ahead of their game against Melbourne on Friday. Promising youngster Will Ashcroft has been reported as available for selection following his year-long absence from the team due to an ACL injury.

The number two draft pick for the Lions in 2022 got injured against Geelong last year and returned to full training in the last month. He was finally given the greenlight to return to full field action even though the decision has not been made to put him with the VFL side or with the seniors. This will be confirmed when the final teams are announced on Thursday.

Ashcroft is also joined by defender Carter Michael, who will be joining the Brisbane Lions VFL team on Saturday after recovering from his knee and quad injuries. Co- Vice captain Josh Dunkley has been cleared to return after his glute scan on Monday revealed no major issue and he trained with the team on Tuesday.

“I've got an open mind,” says Brisbane Lions coach on youngster's return

Will Ashcroft of the Lions.

Will Ashcroft may be available to join the Brisbane Lions senior side against Melbourne in Round 16. Before the medical team cleared Ashcroft, Brisbane senior coach Chris Fagan already shared his excitement in having the young midfielder back to the senior side.

He spoke to the media last Thursday according to afl.com.au and said:

“I hold Will in the highest regard, as do his teammates. It's going to be great to have him available again and we'll just see what that looks like when we get to next week. I've got an open mind.”

Speaking on the conditions and requirements the medical team adheres to, Fagan said Ashcroft was ready to return to senior team action after being cleared by the medics.

“The way our medical staff and fitness staff condition these guys to play, they're not conditioned to play half a game in the reserves as a build-up. They're conditioned well enough to be ready to play AFL if they're required. We've just got to make a decision,” he said.

“I reckon he'll come back a better player because he's been able to observe what goes on at the footy club for the past 12 months and take a few more things in.”

The Brisbane Lions have won four of their last five games and are currently 10th after defeating Port Adelaide by 79 points on Saturday.