Logan Morris set to relish greater responsibility in Brisbane’s forward line as Levi Ashcroft named to make his AFL debut

Levi Ashcroft has been named to make his AFL debut on Saturday, as his Lions teammate Logan Morris declared himself ready to “lead” Brisbane’s forward line following Joe Daniher’s retirement. Father-son draft pick Ashcroft, the 18-year-old younger brother of Brisbane star Will, will be the Lions’ substitute for the club’s round one, grand-final rematch against the Sydney Swans at the SCG. “I am really looking forward to the weekend, so let’s go get them,” said Levi, who was grateful for the support he received from Lions coach Chris Fagan and football manager Danny Daly after having to overcome off-season shoulder surgery. “It was a bit of a tough start to my AFL career and the pre-season.” “I would just like to thank ‘Fages’, Danny and the club for all the support they have given me over this time.” Ashcroft’s 19-year-old teammate Morris enjoyed a breakthrough AFL season in 2024, kicking 24 goals in 19 games and helping the Lions win their first premiership since 2003. Following Brisbane’s grand final win over Sydney, star forward Daniher retired. “There’s a big hole there with Joe gone,” Morris said ahead of the first game of the Lions’ premiership defence. “We have a lot of players that are coming through … so I think we have a lot of boys who can play that role, and it also allows me to be a bit more of a target down there (in the forward line) and still play my role that I did last year. “I can really step up my game without Joe there, and me and Eric (Hipwood) can really lead that forward line. “(Last year) was definitely a good starting point but I feel like I can take my game to the next level and really build from that.” With the likelihood of having greater responsibility this year, Morris said he used the off-season and pre-season to improve his fitness and strength. “I wanted to narrow my focus,” he said. “Coming into my second year, (playing) against a lot of bigger boys, I probably can’t get away with it as I did in my first year, so I really wanted to get a bit fitter and stronger. “I feel like I did tick those things off, have set myself up for a good year and just working closely with coaches and players just to keep working on my game and keep building each week and set myself up for a massive year.” Morris said his fitness and strength regimen included “extras”, while he also sort the advice of senior players Jarrod Berry and Josh Dunkley. “Asking what they do in their off-season, learning from the best players, just trying to tick off every session, doing the extras and I think it paid off,” he said. The Lions are eager to get their season started after last week’s scheduled Opening Round clash against Geelong was postponed due to Cyclone Alfred. “Now that our first game is against Sydney, which is a `GF’ rematch and which will be a fiery game, us boys are really keen get out there,” Morris said. “It’s my first time playing at the SCG … so I can’t wait to get out there on Saturday.”

Logan Morris set to relish greater responsibility in Brisbane’s forward line as Levi Ashcroft named to make his AFL debut

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