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AFL Draft 2024: Levi Ashcroft, Luke Trainor, Josh Smillie light up AFL Academy match​

A highly-rated father-son prospect was named best-on-ground in the AFL Academy’s second match against Footscray’s VFL side on Saturday. But he wasn’t the only player to impress.

Chris Cavanagh

@chriscavanagh1

5 min read
April 27, 2024 - 5:43PM
News Corp Australia Sports Newsroom

Brisbane Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft further boosted his draft credentials with a powerful performance against a strong VFL side on Saturday.

Ashcroft was named best afield for the AFL Academy team in an exhibition match against Footscray’s VFL side at Whitten Oval.

Footscray – which sits unbeaten atop of the VFL ladder – fielded 14 AFL-listed players in the match, including Ryley Sanders, Oskar Baker, Alex Keath, Ryan Gardner and Lachie McNeil.

Playing primarily onball throughout the day, Ashcroft was clean and provided run and link-up play for his side as he logged 29 disposals, six clearances, four marks and three tackles.

The son of three-time Lions premiership player, Marcus, and the younger brother of current Brisbane young gun Will, he shapes as a top-three draft pick this year.

Ashcroft attended numerous centre bounces alongside Sanders.

The pair had been Sandringham Dragons teammates before Sanders was selected by the Bulldogs at pick six in last year’s draft.

“It’s tough going out to people like Ryley and Baker and those guys,” Ashcroft said.

“It was fun to be out here, but not an easy match-up.

“He (Sanders) is a gun and hopefully he’s back in the ones side next week. But it was lovely to play with him.”

Levi Ashcroft was prolific through the midfield for the AFL Academy side on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images.

Levi Ashcroft was prolific through the midfield for the AFL Academy side on Saturday. Picture: Getty Images.

Ashcroft grew up as a Gold Coast Suns supporter, with his dad previously working for the club.

His idol was the Suns’ biggest recruit – two-time Brownlow Medal winner Gary Ablett Jr.

“I’ve modelled my game on Gary Ablett Jr since a young age,” Ashcroft said.

“I’ve been around the club with him. I think he has everything. He always won so much football, kicked goals, was flashy, a great tackler, great mark. He just did it all I think.

“As well as that he’s just such a professional off the field. That’s something I try and do. Same as Will, they’re so professional. That gives them the extra one per cent every day to get where they need to be and where they want to be.”

A co-captain of Sandringham this year, Ashcroft spent six weeks training with the Lions during pre-season and is widely tipped to join his bother at the club through this year’s draft.

However, an official decision around nominating as a father-son will not come until later in the year, as was the case with Will in 2022.

Josh Smillie had 27 disposals. Picture: Getty Images

Josh Smillie had 27 disposals. Picture: Getty Images

The under-18 national championships will come first, with Ashcroft set to play a key role for Vic Metro when its campaign kicks off on June 9.

“We didn’t get it done last year, which was a bit disappointing, but I feel like we’re very strong,” Ashcroft said.

“You talk to a lot of AFL boys and a lot of boys that have been through the pathway and they say this is one of their favourite years so just enjoy it. You get to play at some high levels with champs coming up, Dragons, school footy even which is a lot of fun with your mates. I’m just taking it all in and trying to enjoy it before, hopefully, I get to play AFL one day.”

Potential No. 1 pick Josh Smillie was also strong for the AFL Academy side with 27 disposals through the midfield, while fellow midfielder Jagga Smith (22 disposals, one goal) and intercept defender Luke Trainor (21 disposals, one goal) were other standouts in the 55-point loss.

Xavier Lindsay played down back on a tough day for the AFL Academy side. Picture: Getty Images

Xavier Lindsay played down back on a tough day for the AFL Academy side. Picture: Getty Images

MATCH SNAPSHOT ​

AFL Academy: 1.3, 4.4, 7.5, 7.8 (50)
Footscray VFL: 4.2, 8.3, 12.4, 16.9 (105)
Goals – AFL Academy: Jobe Shanahan 2, Tyler Welsh, Sam Lalor, Harvey Langford, Luke Trainor, Jagga Smith. Footscray: Charlie Clarke 3, Ryan Gardner 3, Lachie Smith 2, Cooper Craig-Peters 2, Oskar Baker, Dominic Bedendo, Jordan Croft, Billy Crofts, Phoenix Spicer, Kai Stretton.
Best – AFL Academy: Levi Ashcroft, Josh Smillie, Jagga Smith, Luke Trainor, Bo Allan, Tobie Travaglia. Footscray: Lachie Smith, Jarrod Gilbee, Ryley Sanders, Charlie Clarke, Alex Keath, Trent Bianco.

STANDOUT PERFORMERS​

Levi Ashcroft
29 disposals, 4 marks, 6 clearances, 3 tackles
Won the medal as the most influential player on the ground for the AFL Academy side. Played onball for most of the match and was clean in the thick of the action, while also generating some run and link-up play.

Josh Smillie
27 disposals, 4 marks
The potential No.1 draft pick started in the midfield before spending time across half-forward and half-back as the onballers were rotated around. Missed a couple of early chances in front of goal, but was able to show off his booming kick at times as well as his size and strength as he shrugged off some tackling attempts from VFL opponents.
Jagga Smith
22 disposals, 5 marks, 3 clearances, 1 goal
Played more midfield minutes and impressed with his speed and agility around contest. He spun out of trouble to launch a kick inside-50 and set up a Jobe Shanahan goal during the second quarter. Also took some nice marks, hit some look-away handballs and kicked a third-quarter goal when he worked into space over the back of the Footscray defence in the third quarter.
Luke Trainor
21 disposals, 4 marks, 8 rebound-50s, 1 goal
The 194cm intercept defender was best-on-ground for the AFL Academy in their first match a fortnight ago and again shone brightly. He took two nice intercept marks in the opening minutes of the match and was clean and composed as he provide some rebound out of the back half. He showed good body work in one-on-one contests against bigger and stronger opponents and kicked a goal from long-range in the second quarter after being the recipient of a 50m penalty.
Bo Allan
10 disposals, 4 marks, 2 rebound-50s
The West Australian missed the first AFL Academy game with a foot injury but had some nice moments. Played the game in defence, which wasn’t an easy spot to be with some of the ball that was coming forward from Footscray. However, Allan battled well in one-on-one contests and made some nice intercepts.
Tobie Travaglia
14 disposals, 3 marks, 1 rebound-50
The Bendigo Pioneers product was called up as an injury replacement player for a second time, covering for Harry O’Farrell who missed with a calf complaint. Like Allan, the 187cm defender did his best against a flood of opposition inside-50s. Travaglia made a costly turnover by foot in the opening quarter which resulted directly in a Footscray goal, but redeemed himself after that as he competed well, applied some good pressure and won some intercepts.
Josh Smillie again impressed for the AFL Academy side. Picture: Getty Images

Josh Smillie again impressed for the AFL Academy side. Picture: Getty Images

OTHERS KEY NOTES​

  • Carlton’s father-son pair of Ben and Lucas Camporeale were a little less influential than the first AFL Academy game against Coburg. Ben had 16 disposals playing largely across half-back, while Lucas spent time on a wing and recorded seven touches.
  • Adelaide father-son prospect Tyler Welsh made the most of limited opportunities forward, with his overhead marking on the lead and a bullet pass inside-50 being highlights of his game. He finished with eight disposals, five marks and one goal.
  • Top-three draft prospect Finn O’Sullivan played just his third game of the year, having missed a chunk of football with a fractured thumb. He started onball and won two clearances in the opening quarter, while also applying some great pressure on opponents throughout the day. However, he didn’t have a huge say on proceedings, finishing with 13 disposals and three marks.
  • Gun onballer Sam Lalor showed his strength and power at stages in just his second game this year following a delayed start with groin issues. While appearing underdone, he spent time through the midfield and forward and gathered eight disposals (six contested possessions), four marks and four tackles, along with slotting a set shot goal in the second quarter.
  • Gold Coast Suns Academy ace Leonardo Lombard had a quieter match than his first outing for the AFL Academy side. However, he had less midfield opportunity, instead spending significant time forward. Lombard had only 11 disposals, but did impress with his pressure at the attacking end and laid four tackles.
  • West Australian Basil Hart received a late call-up as an injury replacement player, covering for Joel Cochran who had a knee issue. Hart is a bottom-age player who is not eligible to be drafted until next year and only had a brief run in the last quarter as top-age players were prioritised for game time.
 

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Take Luke Trainor with pick 1. He’ll probably grow a bit, currently listed at 194, and is the best key back in this draft. Excellent interceptor, plays tall and regularly beats bigger opponents and is a great kick. He ticks all the boxes. Currently rated inside the top 4-5 prospects, so wouldn’t be a stretch taking him with pick 1 in my opinion. Knowing us though and with our obsession with mids we’ll probably take Smillie or O’Sullivan.
I agree that with early picks, especially pick 1 you should always take the best available player, but this should be the year that we address our lack of key backs. Hence, with our second pick, look to take O'Farrell or Whitlock to sure up our key position stocks.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com
 
big_e said:
Pardon my ignorance but is it pronounced like Smillie Vanilli or like Smillie Cyrus?
Click to expand...
It seems to be Cyrus but I know someone with the same surname and he calls himself Vanilli, so, who knows.
 
wazza03 said:
Take Luke Trainor with pick 1. He’ll probably grow a bit, currently listed at 194, and is the best key back in this draft. Excellent interceptor, plays tall and regularly beats bigger opponents and is a great kick. He ticks all the boxes. Currently rated inside the top 4-5 prospects, so wouldn’t be a stretch taking him with pick 1 in my opinion. Knowing us though and with our obsession with mids we’ll probably take Smillie or O’Sullivan.
I agree that with early picks, especially pick 1 you should always take the best available player, but this should be the year that we address our lack of key backs. Hence, with our second pick, look to take O'Farrell or Whitlock to sure up our key position stocks.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com
Click to expand...

I hope the emphasis is on the psychological aspects.

Which one is mentally tougher, communicates well, doesn't retreat into their shell, plays for their teammates, is going to stick fat etc.

That's the one we need to pick but I agree Trainor and Smillie both look good for us.
 
Smillie to North is about as surer thing as there’s been in last few drafts. You think our drafting gets criticised now, just wait if we pass on him 🤣.

The club needs to get inventive in acquiring more picks in late first, early second to address our copious key position needs. The took Dawson last year who looks good, but I’ve seen this episode before with Rawlings. They take one speculative kid in a position of need and then set and forget the position for multiple drafts. If there’s a half decent key forward floating around mid first—early second, move heaven and earth to get a pick in that range (pretty much anything bar trading pick 1). Finish Smillie and 2-3 key position players.

Find energetic, gut running and physical small forwards in the state leagues. Our forward line has X-Factor (when the ball gets there). What it doesn’t have is guys that are unconditional. You don’t need high picks for these guys you need competent recruiting departments.
 
After a month off with a thumb injury Finn O'Sullivan clearly struggled to pick up the pace of the game, but when he did find the footy he oozed class as always. During his injury absence guys like Smillie and Trainor have put their hand up as pick 1 contenders, but for me O'Sullivan is still that guy.

 
In an ideal world we need other clubs to get into a bidding war for Zurhaar so we get band 1 again.

Picks 1 & 2 to kick us off would be great.

Take Guy Smillie @ 1 and then do a trade with GCS with pick 2 and change.

1714285338186.png

Having 8, 11 and 20 gives us options to trade for an already established gun electric SF/KPP or otherwise keep drafting first rounders.
 

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Shermanator said:
In an ideal world we need other clubs to get into a bidding war for Zurhaar so we get band 1 again.

Picks 1 & 2 to kick us off would be great.

Take Guy Smillie @ 1 and then do a trade with GCS with pick 2 and change.

View attachment 1973626

Having 8, 11 and 20 gives us options to trade for an already established gun electric SF/KPP or otherwise keep drafting first rounders.
Click to expand...
Can we contribute to the bidding war with a big contract offer?
If he goes, I doubt he will leave money behind, if he stays, we keep a 25+ yo senior player.
We need to pay the cap regardless, no-one is coming for the next few years at least.
I think we could try and engineer a win-win situation out of another schit sandwich.
 
wazza03 said:
Take Luke Trainor with pick 1. He’ll probably grow a bit, currently listed at 194, and is the best key back in this draft. Excellent interceptor, plays tall and regularly beats bigger opponents and is a great kick. He ticks all the boxes. Currently rated inside the top 4-5 prospects, so wouldn’t be a stretch taking him with pick 1 in my opinion. Knowing us though and with our obsession with mids we’ll probably take Smillie or O’Sullivan.
I agree that with early picks, especially pick 1 you should always take the best available player, but this should be the year that we address our lack of key backs. Hence, with our second pick, look to take O'Farrell or Whitlock to sure up our key position stocks.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com
Click to expand...
Would fill a pressing need. Could also trade back to 3 or 4 and sneak in another late first or early second. Those that say never draft for need at top end of the draft need to consider our historically bad level of kpp stocks.
 
Psicosis said:
Smillie to North is about as surer thing as there’s been in last few drafts. You think our drafting gets criticised now, just wait if we pass on him 🤣.

The club needs to get inventive in acquiring more picks in late first, early second to address our copious key position needs. The took Dawson last year who looks good, but I’ve seen this episode before with Rawlings. They take one speculative kid in a position of need and then set and forget the position for multiple drafts. If there’s a half decent key forward floating around mid first—early second, move heaven and earth to get a pick in that range (pretty much anything bar trading pick 1). Finish Smillie and 2-3 key position players.

Find energetic, gut running and physical small forwards in the state leagues. Our forward line has X-Factor (when the ball gets there). What it doesn’t have is guys that are unconditional. You don’t need high picks for these guys you need competent recruiting departments.
Click to expand...

Would you trade our 2025 first rounder for a mid first round this year?
 
Psicosis said:
Smillie to North is about as surer thing as there’s been in last few drafts. You think our drafting gets criticised now, just wait if we pass on him .

The club needs to get inventive in acquiring more picks in late first, early second to address our copious key position needs. The took Dawson last year who looks good, but I’ve seen this episode before with Rawlings. They take one speculative kid in a position of need and then set and forget the position for multiple drafts. If there’s a half decent key forward floating around mid first—early second, move heaven and earth to get a pick in that range (pretty much anything bar trading pick 1). Finish Smillie and 2-3 key position players.

Find energetic, gut running and physical small forwards in the state leagues. Our forward line has X-Factor (when the ball gets there). What it doesn’t have is guys that are unconditional. You don’t need high picks for these guys you need competent recruiting departments.
Click to expand...
On the small fwd front, I agree and would've liked us to have had a go at Mannagh. Seems pretty unconditional in his preparation and application. He'd be playing every week for us?

Edited from alien gobbledygook!

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Last edited:
Fart Cummings said:
is draft assisant still a possibility or has that ship sailed?
Click to expand...
That ship has sunk and is on the bottom of the ocean never to be seen again. In years to come AFL recruiters will scour the ocean floor looking for the good ship HMAS AFL Assistance and her bounty of treasured late first round assistance picks that must be traded.
 
Psicosis said:
Smillie to North is about as surer thing as there’s been in last few drafts. You think our drafting gets criticised now, just wait if we pass on him 🤣.

The club needs to get inventive in acquiring more picks in late first, early second to address our copious key position needs. The took Dawson last year who looks good, but I’ve seen this episode before with Rawlings. They take one speculative kid in a position of need and then set and forget the position for multiple drafts. If there’s a half decent key forward floating around mid first—early second, move heaven and earth to get a pick in that range (pretty much anything bar trading pick 1). Finish Smillie and 2-3 key position players.

Find energetic, gut running and physical small forwards in the state leagues. Our forward line has X-Factor (when the ball gets there). What it doesn’t have is guys that are unconditional. You don’t need high picks for these guys you need competent recruiting departments.
Click to expand...
Btw I actually prefer we take Finn O’Sullivan than Smillie. FOS is a ⭐️ absolute class.
 
Psicosis said:
Btw I actually prefer we take Finn O’Sullivan than Smillie. FOS is a ⭐️ absolute class.
Click to expand...

Scenes when with pick 1 and 2 we rightfully take FOS and Smillie.
 
Another strong performance from Trainor in the second of the Academy games although not quite at the BOG standard of game 1. He and his defensive cohort struggled at times with the size and marking power of the Footscray forwards, and his normally strong disposal was at times a little wayward.

 
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