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Why Ashcroft is “pissed” about missing out on Origin selection
Nicholas Quinlan • December 28th, 2025 8:18 pm
Brisbane’s Will Ashcroft has declared his frustration at not being allowed to play in the AFL’s first official State of Origin game in 27 years following a league intervention on his selection.
Despite being born in Queensland and having grown up in the Sunshine State for the majority of his life, the dual Norm Smith Medallist was initially deemed eligible to play for Victoria.
This was on the basis that the selection criteria for both Victoria's and Western Australia's squads were based on where a player was drafted from.
And with Ashcroft having been drafted with Pick No. 2 of the 2022 AFL Draft as a father-son selection from Sandringham Dragons, alongside playing for Vic Metro in the U18’s National Championships, it allowed for the possibility for him to feature in the Big V.
But the AFL has since intervened, having informed the midfielder that he was ineligible to play.
When asked about the decision, the 21-year-old expressed his disappointment at not featuring in the marquee event.
“I like to think of myself (as a Victorian), yeah,” he said.
“I’ve played here since I was 14, I was part of a lot of Victorian teams all the way through and then was drafted out of the Sandy Dragons and St Kilda City,” he said.
“Apparently, they’ve decided now that I’m not eligible, so I’m not playing, unfortunately.
“I’m pretty pissed about it, but I think there’s been some changes to the criteria.
“I would have loved to play for Victoria, but unfortunately, it isn’t happening.”
The AFL are yet to announce any changes to the selection criteria for either side.
The clash is slated to take place on February 14 (Valentine’s Day) at Optus Stadium in Perth.
The first bounce will occur at 7:40pm AEDT (4:40pm local time).
