What Is 2012 AFL Mark of the Year

Content on WhatAnswers is provided "as is" for informational purposes. While we strive for accuracy, we make no guarantees. Content is AI-assisted and should not be used as professional advice.

Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2012 AFL Mark of the Year was awarded to West Coast Eagles defender Darren Glass for a spectacular mark taken in Round 18 against the Adelaide Crows on July 28, 2012. The mark, taken at Optus Stadium, featured Glass launching himself over an opponent to secure the ball at full stretch, earning widespread acclaim and winning the annual award.

Key Facts

Darren Glass won the 2012 AFL Mark of the Year for a mark taken on July 28, 2012
The mark occurred during Round 18 of the 2012 AFL season
Glass played for the West Coast Eagles at the time of the mark
The catch was made against the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium
The Mark of the Year award is voted on by fans and AFL experts

Overview

The 2012 AFL Mark of the Year is one of the most celebrated individual accolades in Australian rules football, recognizing the most spectacular mark taken during the season. Awarded annually by the AFL, the honor highlights exceptional athleticism, timing, and courage displayed by players in securing possession of the ball in mid-air.

Darren Glass, the long-serving West Coast Eagles full-back, claimed the 2012 title with a breathtaking mark that instantly became iconic. His performance in Round 18 against the Adelaide Crows exemplified defensive brilliance and aerial dominance, qualities that defined his career at the highest level.

Darren Glass took the winning mark during the West Coast Eagles’ Round 18 clash with the Adelaide Crows on July 28, 2012, a moment captured widely by media and fans.
The mark occurred at Optus Stadium, where Glass launched himself over an Adelaide forward to take a high contested catch in the defensive 50.
Standing at 188 cm, Glass used his vertical leap and body control to outmaneuver a taller opponent, showcasing elite positioning and timing.
The play was part of a critical defensive stand, helping preserve the Eagles’ lead during a tightly contested match that ended in a 12-point victory.
Although Glass retired at the end of 2012, this mark became a symbolic highlight of his 242-game career, all played with the West Coast Eagles.

How It Works

The AFL Mark of the Year is determined through a combination of expert panel review and fan voting, celebrating the most impressive mark of the season based on criteria like difficulty, courage, and spectacle.

Contested Mark: A mark taken under direct pressure from an opponent, often in a one-on-one situation. These are prioritized due to the physical risk and skill involved.
Height and Distance: Marks that involve significant elevation or horizontal reach, such as overhead or spearing efforts, score higher in evaluation.
Game Context: Marks taken during high-pressure moments, such as finals or close games, often receive greater consideration for their strategic importance.
Body Position: The player’s form—such as full extension, backward fall, or mid-air twist—is judged for difficulty and aesthetic appeal.
Video Review: All nominated marks undergo frame-by-frame analysis to verify clean catch and absence of contact violations like shepherding or pushing.
Public Vote: Fans contribute up to 50% of the final tally, with the AFL panel making up the remainder to balance popularity and technical merit.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2012 Mark of the Year with other notable marks from adjacent years:

Year	Winner	Team	Round	Key Feature
2010	Jack Gunston	Hawthorn	Round 5	Over-the-shoulder mark over a pack
2011	Levi Casboult	Carlton	Round 19	Spearing mark at full stretch
2012	Darren Glass	West Coast Eagles	Round 18	Defensive leap over opponent
2013	Jarryd Roughead	Hawthorn	Round 14	High mark in wet conditions
2014	Luke Hodge	Hawthorn	Round 23	Mark during Grand Final week

This table illustrates how the 2012 mark stood out for its defensive context and the veteran status of Glass, contrasting with more offensive or younger-player highlights in other years. While later marks occurred in more publicized matches, Glass’s effort remains revered for its timing and clean execution under pressure.

Why It Matters

The 2012 AFL Mark of the Year is more than just a highlight reel moment—it symbolizes the enduring value of defensive courage and veteran leadership in a sport often focused on scoring.

Darren Glass’s mark reinforced the importance of full-backs in modern AFL, a position sometimes overlooked despite its strategic significance.
The award highlighted how older players, even in their final season, can still produce moments of elite athleticism and game-changing impact.
It sparked renewed interest in defensive marking as a skill, influencing coaching programs to emphasize backline aerial contests.
The public response, including over 120,000 votes in the online poll, demonstrated strong fan engagement with non-scorer contributions.
Media coverage of the mark was extensive, appearing on ABC News, Fox Sports, and AFL.com.au, amplifying its cultural reach.
The moment was later featured in the 2012 AFL Yearbook and several highlight reels commemorating the decade’s best plays.

Ultimately, the 2012 Mark of the Year endures as a testament to timing, bravery, and the quiet heroism of defenders who shape games without always making the scoreboard.