Двукратный обладатель медали Норм Смита Уилл Ашкрофт посещает детский госпиталь в Брисбене

WILL Ashcroft isn't just a star on the field. A two-time Norm Smith medallist and dual Brisbane premiership player at just 22, Ashcroft has become one of the best and most reliable players on the big stage already – and he's only just getting started. But it's what he does off the field that makes him a real hero. The young Lion has a relationship with the Children's Hospital Foundation in Queensland, where he regularly spends time with sick kids helping to put a smile on the faces of those doing it tough. It was a partnership that began during Ashcroft's ACL rehabilitation, but he's become so invested in the relationship and playing his role in the community that it's still going strong to this day. "I did a lot of work with them through my ACL rehab. I had a bit more time and started doing some work there. I'd pop into the hospital which isn't far from my house in Brisbane and try to do as much as I can for them," Ashcroft told AFL.com.au. "For me personally, obviously we're trying to help the kids and raise money and that sort of stuff for those who are going through a pretty tough time, but it's given me great perspective as well. "Going to the hospital throughout the year, it's allowed me to not focus on myself and my concerns, because they're pretty small when you look at what some of these kids are going through." One of the most recognisable faces in the footy world, for a lot of those kids Ashcroft isn't the star footballer who already had a cabinet full of accolades. He's just Will. Whether it's playing card games, doing crafts or just being someone to talk to, Ashcroft's impact on these kids is profound. One of those kids is 10-year-old Myah, an ovarian cancer survivor who is trying to raise funds to bring joy to other young cancer patients. Myah has hosted two lemonade stands in her community with the money raised going towards a toy trolley, so that kids receiving chemotherapy can enjoy toys, crafts and books during their treatment. Myah and her friends and family have raised over $30,000, doing everything they can to bring smiles to other kids' faces. "The children's hospital reached out and wanted me to do some stuff on social media. I just want to help out where I can, whether that's raising money or awareness," Ashcroft said. "But first and foremost, I'm just trying to get in there. The kids don't really know me as a football player half the time, they just want to have fun and play games and I really enjoy that too." Earlier this season, Ashcroft had his fingernails painted green and white by some of the kids, representing the colours of the Children's Hospital Foundation. After slotting a superb goal in the round 18 clash against Essendon, Ashcroft proudly held up his hands displaying the colours of the foundation. The young midfield star has already cemented himself as one of the game's most promising young talents, but he knows that his legacy can be more than just on the football field. "Being a role model is massive. Trying to inspire them, look after different people and give them something to smile about," he said. "It doesn't have to be massive, we're role models and can have a big impact on different people that you work with. But for those kids, it might be 15-20 minutes out of my day to give back to them and give them a bit of an outlet. "Those 15 minutes mean a lot to them and their families, we've got a great opportunity to do that as athletes and just as people. "A lot of the kids don't actually know me as a footballer, they just want to have a bit of fun and giving that time is what they really appreciate." Ashcroft and his Brisbane teammates are now set to embark on yet another finals series, chasing a three-peat which has only been achieved by two clubs since 2000. The Sandringham Dragons product's own form saw a major spike in the second half of the campaign as the young Lion ended up polling 91 votes in the AFL Coaches' Association's Champion Player of the Year Award to finish fourth. He was a member of the extended All Australian squad and looms as a big chance to take out Brisbane's Merrett-Murray Medal as the club's best and fairest. He credits his support network as key figures in helping him get back to his best on the field. "I had a few niggles and whatnot and we had those three losses in a row. I spoke to a few people close to me that have helped me with footy and life and wanted to get back to enjoying it, playing with freedom and releasing the shackles," Ashcroft said. "I thought I had a fair bit of expectation within me that was a bit pent up, so I just wanted to get back to work, run hard and work hard." It was a release of pressure for Ashcroft, who had placed expectations on himself after becoming just the fifth player to win two or more Norm Smith Medals, following in the footsteps of AFL legends like Dustin Martin, Luke Hodge, Andrew McLeod and Gary Ayres. "It was a bit of a release," he said. "The first half of the year I put some pressure on myself given the recent success in the last couple of years and expectations. "I took a step back and enjoyed training, played to my strengths and that's what helped me the last couple of months play some good footy." Success has followed Ashcroft throughout his career. Whether it's at the Lions, the Sandringham Dragons, Vic Metro or Brighton Grammar, you won’t see too many better footy CVs than Ashcroft's at this stage of his career. Now, he's fully focused on winning that three-peat at AFL level. "It does drive me, we haven't spoken about it much this year at all, but it's clearly there," Ashcroft said. "Everyone's chasing that premiership. I think it was a step in the right direction (the round 24 win against Collingwood) with that performance. There are a few things we need to tidy up, but it's exciting heading into another finals series in the top four." Ashcroft has already etched his name into the record books with his feats on the big stage, but he's determined to make sure that his legacy is more than just medals and premierships.