MIDWAY through the fourth quarter of Saturday's preliminary final win over Hawthorn, Levi Ashcroft sprinted 20m back with the flight of the ball to spoil over the boundary line in front of a vacant Harry Morrison.

It was an act of desperation that drew a huge roar and high-five from co-captain Harris Andrews for his younger teammate.

These acts happen regularly across 120 minutes of most matches, but for Ashcroft it's something he's had to learn since being drafted by Brisbane as a highly talented, ball-hunting midfielder two years ago.

The 19-year-old will line up in his second Grand Final against Fremantle on Saturday, having not missed a game since being drafted.

But rather than playing his preferred midfield role, Ashcroft has cut his teeth as a half-forward and wingman. And thrived.

"We have an incredible midfield and a star-studded crew, so it's been difficult to break into," he told AFL.com.au.

"Hopefully down the track I can be involved in that, but it's been eye-opening for me to try new things and play new positions. I've really enjoyed it."

When Hugh McCluggage or Lachie Neale have missed matches over the past two years, Ashcroft has been given taste of time onball.

He said the experience of playing all over the field had helped his all-around game.

"As a midfielder you chase the ball, you follow each stoppage. There's not much else to think about in a way.

"When you play half-forward or wing you've got to set up in different positions, you’ve got to be thinking about where you might be sliding to and different things, tactical things, that I've really enjoyed.

"If I play inside mid, it will help me to know how to help other people with where to be on the ground and where they should be going."

Ashcroft has made huge strides this year, although it’s not always visible by the numbers.

He's cleaner in congestion and repeatedly shows bravery– as evidenced by the aforementioned defensive spoil and an early-game grab inside 50 where he had to absorb contact waiting for a floated kick from brother Will to land in his arms.

"It can be tough. You might have a game where the ball might not come to your side … but you’ve actually played your role," he said.

"It's a selfless role and needs to be played and I'm happy to be out there and doing that for the team.

"Jarrod Berry is a great example of being selfless. He could have been an inside midfielder, but there's a lot of guys taking up that spot and he's had an unbelievable few years playing that wing role and being selfless for us.

"He epitomises that."