Bobby Hill could add an end of season honour to his CV despite the Pies missing finals with his round 14 hanger against North Melbourne among three finalists for the AFL's mark of the year.
In his side's late escape against the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium, Hill perched himself above the pack, going on to kick his second of five majors for the afternoon in a match-winning performance in Collingwood's 54-point comeback.
The 2023 Norm Smith medalist later soared for a second big mark in the final term, having kicked three after the final break, before a lucky 50m penalty non-decision helped Collingwood steal a one-point win.
Hill is up against teammate Jamie Elliot's ANZAC Day pluck, and North's Zane Duursma's big time grab over Richmond late in the year for the award.
Clear the airspace, these three are flying ✈️
Introducing the 2024 @VirginAustralia Mark of the Year finalists. pic.twitter.com/buieyonOc3
— AFL (@AFL) September 5, 2024
If previous years are to go by, Hill's smooth landing at the top of the goal square could be the finishing touch required to claim the prize.
Although out of contention for last year's mark of the year, Hill's grand final sit during the second quarter would have been a contender had it been taken during the home-and-away rounds. The mark came in a best-on-ground, four goal performance to help his side lift the premiership cup.
In 2023, Ash Johnson's rise in front of goals over Carlton defenders during Sir Doug Nicholls round made the final three.
Brisbane forward Courtney Hodder's brave display running back with the flight of the ball in Indigenous Round claimed the AFLW mark of the year last November.
Fans can vote for the AFL Mark of the Year, with additional adjudication coming from an expert panel.
The winning mark will be declared at the Brownlow Medal awards night held during grand final week.
