What Is 2013 AFL Mark of the Year

Overview

The 2013 AFL Mark of the Year was one of the most celebrated highlights of the season, showcasing the athleticism and courage central to Australian Rules football. Awarded annually, the honor recognizes the most spectacular mark—a catch of a kicked ball—executed during the home-and-away season.

That year, Jeremy Howe, playing for the Melbourne Football Club, claimed the title with a gravity-defying leap over Sydney’s Ryan O’Keefe. The mark occurred during Round 12 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and quickly went viral, earning widespread acclaim from fans and commentators alike.

• Jeremy Howe secured the 2013 award with a mark taken in the 14th minute of the second quarter against Sydney Swans.
• The mark happened at the MCG on June 1, 2013, during a high-pressure contest between Melbourne and Sydney.
• Howe launched himself onto Ryan O’Keefe’s back to take a contested mark at full stretch above the pack.
• The AFL awarded the winner a $10,000 prize, part of the league’s official recognition program for standout plays.
• Fans voted online to help determine the winner, though the final decision was made by a panel of experts including former players and coaches.

How It Works

The AFL Mark of the Year is determined through a combination of fan engagement and expert evaluation, emphasizing both spectacle and skill. Nominations are gathered throughout the season, with finalists selected for public voting and panel review.

• Nomination Process: Each round, the AFL compiles the most impressive marks and submits them for consideration. These are reviewed for height, difficulty, and opposition pressure.
• Contested vs. Uncontested: Contested marks, like Howe’s in 2013, are often favored because they involve physical risk and direct competition for the ball.
• Fan Voting: The public can vote online during the finals series, contributing up to 50% of the final decision depending on the year’s rules.
• Judging Panel: A panel of former players, media, and AFL officials evaluates each finalist based on technique, elevation, and game context.
• Prize Incentive: Since 2012, the winner has received $10,000, encouraging players to attempt spectacular marks without compromising safety.
• Timing of Award: The winner is announced during the AFL Grand Final week, ensuring maximum visibility and celebration of the season’s best mark.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Mark of the Year with other notable winners from adjacent years:

The table illustrates the consistency in prize value after 2012, when the AFL doubled the award from $5,000 to $10,000. Jeremy Howe’s 2013 win stands out for its high degree of difficulty and the dramatic visual of him launching over an opponent. While Hawthorn players dominated the award in surrounding years, Howe’s mark broke the trend and highlighted Melbourne’s emerging talent.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Mark of the Year remains a benchmark for aerial skill and courage in modern AFL. It not only elevated Jeremy Howe’s profile but also inspired a generation of players to attempt bold marks under pressure.

• Howe’s mark demonstrated the increasing athleticism required in elite Australian football, setting a new standard for backmen.
• It brought national attention to the Melbourne Football Club, which had struggled in previous seasons.
• The play became a viral sensation, amassing over 2 million views on AFL’s official YouTube channel within a week.
• It reinforced the importance of fan engagement in awards, with social media playing a key role in the voting process.
• The mark influenced coaching strategies, with more teams training for high-marking specialists in defensive 50.
• It contributed to rule discussions around player safety, particularly regarding launching onto opponents’ backs.

Ultimately, the 2013 AFL Mark of the Year was more than a highlight—it symbolized the blend of risk, skill, and spectacle that defines the sport at its best. Jeremy Howe’s leap remains one of the most iconic moments in modern AFL history.