What Is 2019 AFL Goal of the Year

Overview

The 2019 AFL Goal of the Year was a highlight-reel moment that captured the athleticism and flair of elite Australian Rules football. Awarded to Hawthorn’s Cyril Rioli, the goal came during a crucial Round 19 clash against Geelong and instantly became one of the season’s most replayed plays.

Recognized for its combination of aerial skill, courage, and accuracy, the goal exemplified the high standards required to win the annual honor. The award celebrates the most spectacular and skillful goal across the home-and-away season, judged on criteria including difficulty, creativity, and execution under pressure.

• Cyril Rioli took a courageous pack mark over two Geelong defenders during the Round 19 match at the MCG on July 27, 2019.
• After securing the mark, Rioli calmly converted the set shot from 45 meters, demonstrating composure despite the physical contest.
• The goal was part of a 12-point final margin victory for Hawthorn, marking a rare win against a top-eight team that season.
• Rioli’s effort beat out nominees from stars like Lance Franklin and Tom Hawkins in the public and panel voting process.
• This was the first time Rioli had won the Goal of the Year award, despite a career full of highlight-reel moments.

How It Works

The AFL Goal of the Year is determined through a structured nomination and voting process that combines fan input and expert assessment. Each round, a panel selects the most spectacular goals, which are then shortlisted for public voting.

• Nomination Window: Goals are eligible from any match during the AFL home-and-away season, spanning from March to September. Only one goal per player can be nominated.
• Selection Panel: A committee of former players, media members, and AFL officials reviews all goals to determine weekly nominees based on difficulty, context, and flair.
• Public Voting: Fans vote online for their favorite goals from a shortlist, with public input accounting for 50% of the final decision.
• Expert Panel: The remaining 50% is determined by a panel of experts who assess technical execution and game context, ensuring balance in the outcome.
• Final Announcement: The winner is announced during the AFL Grand Final week, typically in late September, as part of the league’s season-ending awards.
• Historical Archive: Winning goals are preserved in the AFL’s digital archive and often featured in season reviews and promotional content.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2019 Goal of the Year compares to recent winners in terms of distance, game context, and scoring impact:

The 2019 win stands out not only for Rioli’s aerial courage but also for the high-pressure context—facing a finals-bound Geelong side. While not the longest kick among recent winners, its combination of physicality and precision under pressure made it a standout.

Why It Matters

Awarding the Goal of the Year does more than honor a single moment—it celebrates the artistry and athleticism that define the AFL. These goals become cultural touchstones, shared widely on social media and remembered for years.

• The 2019 win highlighted Cyril Rioli’s enduring class, even in the later stages of his career before retirement in 2020.
• It reinforced the value of courage in contested situations, encouraging younger players to take risks in packs.
• The goal boosted Hawthorn’s media profile during a transitional season, drawing positive attention amid a rebuilding phase.
• Winning goals like Rioli’s are frequently used in AFL promotional campaigns and school programs to inspire grassroots players.
• It contributed to broader conversations about recognition of Indigenous players, as Rioli is a proud Torres Strait Islander.
• The moment remains archived in AFL history, symbolizing the blend of skill, bravery, and precision the league promotes.

Ultimately, the 2019 AFL Goal of the Year wasn’t just about points on a scoreboard—it was a celebration of the sport’s spirit and a lasting example of football excellence.