The "specky" or "hanger" is arguably the biggest drawcard Australian football has to offer.
The high-fliers get to show off their incredible athleticism and power to leap over the top of their opponents, and sometimes teammates, to mark the ball.
It takes courage and bravery for players to put themselves in vulnerable positions, which, over the years, has created some of the most iconic moments in the AFL.
This year saw three worthy winners named as finalists.
North Melbourne's Zac Banch courageously leapt into oncoming traffic during a Round 21 clash against St Kilda.
How about this attack on the footy from mid-season draftee Zac Banch?! 😱
📺 Watch #AFLSaintsNorth on Ch.504 or stream on Kayo: https://t.co/GR04lnR9pD
✍️ BLOG https://t.co/3JK9n2kSjz
🔢 MATCH CENTRE https://t.co/5AR8UhPGgd pic.twitter.com/eOfQWcDEkf— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) August 3, 2025
Banch, who joined the Kangaroos at the start of the year, put his body on the line, never taking his eyes off the football, before colliding with Ryan Byrnes.
The mark can be likened to Western Bulldogs unicorn Sam Darcy and his efforts the following week against Melbourne.
Darcy can do just about anything, but this timely grab with 45 seconds remaining in the game has more than passing resemblance to the exploits of Jonathan Brown and Nick Riewoldt.
The Bulldogs son-of-a-gun took it upon himself to ensure the club secured the victory, hurdling over an oncoming pack of players, including Demons defender Christian Salem.
Which mark gets your vote? ✈️https://t.co/9SOXJx6QyL pic.twitter.com/hINYUAdXeF
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) September 4, 2025
Darcy's teammate, Buku Khamis, was the third nominee for this year's Mark of the Year for his high fly against Essendon in Round 10.
Khamis came storming from deep inside forward 50 to climb over Bombers tall Ben McKay (who has been a step ladder in recent years).
The Bulldogs utility received a lift off McKay's shoulder before coming down with the ball in hand.
The 2025 Virgin Australia Mark of the Year winner will receive $50,000 and two million Velocity Points – enough Points for two people to redeem return Business Class Reward Seats to over 500 destinations around the world*.
Voting is now open, with the overall winner determined by a combination of votes from the AFL All-Australian selection panel and the public.
The winner will be announced at the 2025 Brownlow Medal on Monday, September 22.
Fans can now vote for their favourite mark at afl.com.au/mark-of-the-year. Everyone who votes for their favourite mark will also have a chance to win $5,000 thanks to Virgin Australia.
