What Is 2011 AFL Mark of the Year

Overview

The 2011 AFL Mark of the Year was a highlight-reel moment that captured the athleticism and courage synonymous with Australian rules football. Awarded annually, the honor celebrates the most impressive mark—a catch of a kicked ball—taken during the AFL home-and-away season.

Chris Dawes, playing for the Collingwood Magpies, claimed the award for a soaring pack mark taken during a Round 19 clash against the Western Bulldogs. His leap over defender Tom Williams showcased textbook technique and timing, earning widespread acclaim from fans and commentators alike.

• Chris Dawes secured the 2011 Mark of the Year with a high-flying grab during the Round 19 match on July 16, 2011.
• The mark occurred in the third quarter when Dawes launched himself over Bulldogs defender Tom Williams at Etihad Stadium.
• Dawes’ mark was taken at full stretch, with both feet off the ground, demonstrating exceptional timing and elevation.
• The contest for the ball came from a long kick by teammate Shane O'Bree, traveling over 50 meters.
• Fans voted overwhelmingly for Dawes’ effort, recognizing it as the most athletic and courageous mark of the 2011 season.

How the Mark Was Executed

The mechanics behind Dawes’ winning mark combine split-second decision-making, positioning, and vertical leap. Understanding the context of the play reveals why it stood out among hundreds of marks taken that season.

• Positioning: Dawes positioned himself behind Tom Williams, using his body to gain optimal launch angle and avoid early contact.
• Timing: He timed his jump perfectly to meet the ball at its highest point, avoiding collision while securing clean possession.
• Technique: His arms fully extended with palms facing outward, allowing him to absorb the impact and hold the ball securely.
• Height: Estimates suggest Dawes reached over 2.8 meters off the ground, aided by a slight lean on Williams’ back.
• Ball Trajectory: The kick from O'Bree traveled approximately 55 meters in the air, giving Dawes just seconds to react.
• Game Context: The mark occurred with Collingwood pushing for a goal, adding pressure and significance to the clean take.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Dawes’ 2011 Mark of the Year with other notable marks from recent seasons based on height, distance, and fan reception.

While Dawes’ mark did not set a height record, its combination of clean execution, clean take, and high-stakes context elevated it above competitors. Fan voting, which determines the winner, favored the dramatic visuals and clean technique over marginally higher marks in previous years.

Why It Matters

The 2011 Mark of the Year remains a celebrated moment in AFL history, illustrating the blend of skill, courage, and spectacle that defines elite-level football. It also highlights how fan engagement shapes awards in modern sports.

• The award boosted Chris Dawes’ profile, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable key forward despite injury challenges.
• It emphasized the importance of pack marking in AFL, a skill that remains critical for key position players.
• The play was featured in end-of-year highlight reels and AFL promotional content for years afterward.
• It demonstrated how fan voting can spotlight moments of brilliance that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• The mark contributed to Collingwood’s media presence during a season where they finished 4th on the ladder.
• It remains a benchmark for aspiring young players learning how to take contested marks under pressure.

Ultimately, Dawes’ 2011 Mark of the Year endures not just for its athletic merit, but for capturing the essence of what fans love about AFL—drama, skill, and split-second heroics.