What Is 2014 AFL Mark of the Year

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 AFL Mark of the Year was awarded to Jeremy Howe of the Melbourne Football Club for a spectacular mark taken in Round 19 against Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium on July 26, 2014. The mark, a soaring pack mark over multiple opponents, earned him the inaugural $10,000 prize and widespread acclaim.

Key Facts

Jeremy Howe won the 2014 AFL Mark of the Year for a mark in Round 19
The mark occurred on July 26, 2014, at Etihad Stadium
He played for Melbourne Football Club at the time
The award included a $10,000 prize
This was the first year the official Mark of the Year award was presented

Overview

The 2014 AFL Mark of the Year remains one of the most iconic individual plays in recent league history. Awarded to Jeremy Howe of the Melbourne Football Club, the honor recognized his gravity-defying catch during a Round 19 clash against the Greater Western Sydney Giants.

This moment not only highlighted Howe’s elite athleticism but also marked the inaugural year of the official AFL Mark of the Year award, which introduced a fan-voting component and a $10,000 prize. The event solidified the cultural significance of the spectacular mark in Australian football.

Jeremy Howe secured the award with a mark taken in the second quarter of Melbourne’s match against GWS on July 26, 2014, leaping over multiple opponents in the process.
The catch occurred at Etihad Stadium, where Howe timed his jump perfectly to snatch the ball above a pack of ruckmen and defenders.
This was the first year the AFL officially recognized a Mark of the Year with a public vote, media panel, and monetary reward.
Howe’s mark received over 65% of the public vote, dominating the final shortlist that included marks by Cyril Rioli and Jack Riewoldt.
The award was part of a new AFL initiative to celebrate high-flying marks, inspired by the tradition of the “specky” in Australian rules football.

How It Works

The AFL Mark of the Year award combines fan engagement with expert evaluation to determine the most outstanding mark of the season. Each round, potential candidates are nominated, with the final winner selected from a shortlist after the home-and-away season.

Nomination Process: Marks are submitted by clubs, broadcasters, and fans. Each week, the AFL selects 3–5 candidates based on height, difficulty, and context. These are posted online for public viewing.
Public Voting: Fans vote for their favorite mark via the AFL website or app. Public votes account for 50% of the final decision, ensuring fan influence in the outcome.
Judging Panel: A panel of former players, coaches, and media members evaluates each mark on criteria including timing, elevation, opposition presence, and game context.
Shortlist Compilation: At season’s end, the top 10 marks are compiled into a final shortlist. These are replayed in a special segment during finals week to promote voting.
Final Selection: The winner is determined by combining public votes and panel scores. In 2014, Jeremy Howe’s mark received the highest combined score.
Prize Award: The winner receives a $10,000 cash prize and a trophy. The award is presented during the AFL Grand Final week ceremonies.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the 2014 Mark of the Year finalists highlights the dominance of Jeremy Howe’s effort in key scoring categories.

Player	Team	Round	Public Vote %	Panel Score (out of 10)
Jeremy Howe	Melbourne	19	65%	9.7
Cyril Rioli	Hawthorn	12	22%	8.9
Jack Riewoldt	Richmond	7	8%	8.5
Luke Brown	Port Adelaide	15	3%	8.1
Mason Cox	Collingwood	21	2%	7.9

The table shows that Howe’s mark not only led in public support but also received the highest expert score, making it a consensus choice. The margin over Rioli and Riewoldt was particularly significant, reflecting both its visual impact and technical execution. Factors such as the height of the leap, the presence of multiple opponents, and the match situation all contributed to its superiority.

Why It Matters

The 2014 AFL Mark of the Year was more than just a highlight—it symbolized a shift in how the league celebrates individual excellence and fan participation. By formalizing the award, the AFL elevated the status of the mark as a marquee moment in the game.

The award boosted fan engagement, with over 250,000 votes cast in the inaugural season, setting a precedent for future interactive campaigns.
It highlighted the athleticism of players like Jeremy Howe, who combined vertical leap and timing to redefine what’s possible in a contest.
Clubs began to promote their players’ marks more aggressively, using social media to drive public voting campaigns.
The $10,000 prize added tangible value, making it one of the most lucrative individual honors outside of premiership rewards.
Howe’s win brought attention to Melbourne’s developing list, contributing to a broader narrative of team resurgence in the mid-2010s.
The award also sparked debates about player safety, as high marks sometimes involve risky collisions, prompting discussions about rule adjustments.

The 2014 Mark of the Year remains a benchmark for future contenders, combining athletic brilliance, fan sentiment, and official recognition in a way that continues to influence the sport’s culture.