Brisbane midfielder Will Ashcroft was left off the 2026 All-Australian squad. The squad announcement came with a 23-player roster. Media outlets wondered what got left out. Football analysts brought the picks into question.
Ashcroft responded on Instagram. He wrote short pointed posts. He took to social media after the omission. Commentators closely watched his feed. The public debate of the squad continued. His omission raised questions about age and form. Selectors defended the final call in press comments. Fans posted quick comments online promptly. Coaches said the lineup balance was crucial.