Michael Close might not have earned the same plaudits as fellow 2014 Brisbane Lions debutants Lewy Taylor and James Aish, but the 20-year-old key forward’s work behind the scenes hasn’t gone unnoticed at the Club.

In just his second AFL season, Close has proven he has the necessary drive and determination to succeed at the elite level.

Although he’s still very much in the early stages of his development, the Harrow product has already impressed the Club’s Physical Performance Team with his dedication towards getting the best out of himself as a professional athlete.

It’s that type of commitment that earned Close the Marcus Ashcroft Most Professional Player Award at the recent 2014 Club Champion presentation evening.

In the process, he became the youngest ever recipient of an honour that has an esteemed history with past winners including Club royalty such as Michael Voss (four times), Jonathan Brown (twice), and even Ashcroft himself. 

The award, which was presented by Physical Performance Manager Brett Burton, came as somewhat of a surprise to Close, who was quick to acknowledge Burton and his team, and his equally professional housemates.    

“I’m probably only a quarter of this (award). I live with three other players – Nick Hayes, Marco Paparone, and Sam Mayes – and we all go through the same stuff together, so they’ve been a critical part of my professionalism,” Close said upon receiving the honour.

Close played 14 games and kicked 10 goals in 2014 after getting his first taste of senior football in Round One against Hawthorn.

He is already recognised as one of the unofficial leaders among the emerging group of youngsters at the Club, and it’s no surprise considering he has been largely mentored by Jonathan Brown.

With Brown expected to remain at the Club in a part-time capacity in 2015, you can be sure that Close will be learning as much as he can from one of the greatest centre half-forwards of all time.

The Most Professional Player Award is named After Marcus Ashcroft, who became the first Queenslander to play 300 senior AFL matches and was widely regarded as having arguably the most meticulous preparation of any player in the Lions’ recent premiership era.