The AFL has announced this year’s finalist for the Mark and Goal of the year, and not without making a bit of a splash.
Each week, the AFL nominates three marks and three goals for fans to vote on for the best of the week, ultimately going into a pool of contenders to be crowned the best of the year.
But in a power move, the AFL has pulled rank and put forward a nomination in both categories that are now in the running to take home the final awards.
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The AFL Game Analysis committee nominate five additional marks and goals to be considered along with the winners of the round from the public vote in determining the season’s top three. Each member of the AFL All-Australian committee then votes to determine which three marks and goals go into contention for the public vote to decide the winner.
GWS Giants swingman Harry Himmelberg’s hopes of winning the award has received a boost, with his Round 5 climb against Hawthorn during Gather Round to give his side the lead late in the contest was put into the final three marks in the public vote. Western Bulldogs livewire Cody Weightman was won the public vote for mark of the round.
Himmelberg’s Round 1 hanger against the Adelaide Crows and Magpie Ash Johnson’s climb against the Blues in Round 10 are the other finalists.
2023 Mark of the Year finalists revealed | 01:05
The AFL has also put forward Power star’s Dan Houston’s clutch goal after the siren against Essendon in Round 16 as one of the best three of the year in the public vote after not winning the goal of the week award. West Coast’s youngster Noah Long was awarded goal of the round honours for his running effort against Collingwood.
2023 Goal of the Year finalists revealed | 01:20
Brisbane young gun Will Ashcroft’s insane mid-air effort against Fremantle in Round 7 and North Melbourne youngster Paul Curtis’ multiple effort goal against the Swans in Round 10 are the other finalists.
Both the Mark and Goal of the year will be presented on Brownlow Medal night, with the winner of the mark of the year to take home the Alex Jesaulenko Medal.
