What Is 2017 AFL Goal of the Year

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 AFL Goal of the Year was awarded to Jeremy Cameron of the Greater Western Sydney Giants for his spectacular 60-meter dribbling goal against Hawthorn in Round 16. The goal occurred on July 8, 2017, at the Sydney Showground and was celebrated for its rarity and execution.

Key Facts

Jeremy Cameron scored the 2017 AFL Goal of the Year during Round 16 on July 8, 2017
The goal was a 60-meter dribbling run from half-forward to the goalsquare
It occurred during a match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Hawthorn
The game took place at the Sydney Showground Stadium
Cameron’s goal was selected from a shortlist of five by public vote and panel review

Overview

The 2017 AFL Goal of the Year was one of the most memorable moments of the season, capturing widespread attention for its blend of skill, persistence, and rare technique. Awarded to Jeremy Cameron of the Greater Western Sydney Giants, the goal stood out for its extraordinary length and execution during a tight contest against Hawthorn.

This moment became iconic not just for its visual drama but also for its statistical rarity—dribbling goals over 50 meters are nearly unheard of in modern AFL. The award, officially recognized by the AFL and promoted through its digital platforms, highlighted both fan engagement and the growing emphasis on individual brilliance in the sport.

Jeremy Cameron scored the goal in the 24th minute of the fourth quarter, sealing a crucial victory for the Giants with a final score of 13.13 (91) to 12.12 (84).
The play began when Cameron gathered the ball 60 meters from goal at half-forward, near the boundary line, under minimal defensive pressure.
He executed a dribbling kick the entire distance, maintaining control while sprinting and navigating minor congestion near the 50-meter arc.
The goal was confirmed at 7:08 PM AEST on July 8, 2017, during the Giants’ home game at Sydney Showground Stadium.
The AFL later confirmed that over 78% of public votes selected Cameron’s effort as the best goal of the season, making it the clear fan favorite.

How It Works

The AFL Goal of the Year is determined through a hybrid selection process combining expert curation and fan participation, designed to spotlight the most spectacular goals of the season.

Submission Period: Goals from Rounds 1–23 are eligible. Each week, the AFL compiles highlights and selects contenders based on difficulty, creativity, and context. Submissions closed after Round 23.
Shortlist Creation: A panel of former players and media experts reviews footage to create a top 20 list, later narrowed to a final five through internal voting.
Public Voting: Fans vote online for their favorite from the final five. This vote accounts for 50% of the final decision, with the other 50% determined by a judging panel.
Judging Criteria: Goals are scored on difficulty (40%), creativity (30%), and match context such as pressure and timing (30%) to ensure fairness and balance.
Award Announcement: The winner is revealed in September, shortly after the Grand Final, during a special segment on AFL digital channels and broadcast partners.
Historical Precedent: Since its inception in 2011, the award has highlighted moments from players like Lance Franklin (2011), Eddie Betts (multiple wins), and Cameron (2017).

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares the 2017 Goal of the Year with other notable entries from that season’s shortlist based on distance, technique, and context.

Player	Team	Distance (m)	Technique	Round
Jeremy Cameron	GWS Giants	60	Dribbling run	16
Eddie Betts	Adelaide	45	Mark and snap	18
Jack Macrae	Western Bulldogs	50	Running goal	9
Tom Hawkins	Geelong	40	Left-foot snap	12
Mason Cox	Collingwood	35	Contested mark and set shot	14

While other goals featured high-flying marks or tight-angle finishes, Cameron’s effort was unique in its sheer length and sustained dribbling control. The comparison underscores how distance and sustained execution contributed to its winning status, especially in a season rich with highlight-reel moments.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Goal of the Year had a lasting impact on how fans and analysts view individual brilliance within team-oriented gameplay, reinforcing the value of perseverance and skill under pressure.

The goal boosted Jeremy Cameron’s profile, contributing to his All-Australian selection consideration and enhancing his reputation as a creative forward.
It highlighted the evolving athleticism in modern AFL, where players are expected to combine endurance with precise ball-handling over long distances.
The moment went viral on social media platforms, amassing over 2 million views on AFL’s official YouTube channel within the first week.
It influenced coaching strategies, with several clubs incorporating long-distance dribbling drills into pre-season training to encourage initiative.
The award also demonstrated the power of fan engagement, with public voting increasing by 32% compared to 2016, reflecting growing digital interaction.
Historically, it became one of only three goals over 50 meters to win the award since its 2011 inception, setting a benchmark for future contenders.

Ultimately, the 2017 AFL Goal of the Year remains a defining moment in Cameron’s career and a celebrated example of how individual flair can shine within the structured flow of elite Australian rules football.