The QClash will become a regular feature of the AFL Calendar, and will include a medal for the player who is Best on Ground at each meeting.
The Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast SUNS can officially announce that this medal will be named after Queensland AFL great Marcus ‘Choppers’ Ashcroft.
Born-and-bred Queenslander Ashcroft spent fifteen years playing for the Bears and Brisbane Lions and holds the record for the most games played, with 318. He was the first Queenslander in the history of the AFL to reach 300 games.
After retiring at the end of 2003 and spending some time working for QAFL club Broadbeach, Ashcroft spent a further two years with the Brisbane Lions as Football Operations Manager, before moving to the same role with the Gold Coast SUNS at the end of 2008.
Lions Senior Coach Michael Voss said that Ashcroft was the perfect person to honour with the QClash Best on Ground award.
“When you look at his record, it speaks for itself. He’s played the most games for the Lions in the history of the Club and he’s been a great servant for Queensland footy,” Voss said.
“It certainly does bring a Queensland flavour to the QClash, and to name this award after Choppers is a great honour.”
