Classic Cats: Gary Ablett's Mark of the Century - extended coverage and context

The Round 7 match in 1994 between Geelong and Collingwood at the MCG on Mother's Day looked to be going down to the wire as Collingwood trailed barely and had kicked nine of the past 11 goals. The frantic climax was played at finals-like intensity without silky skills however with massive endeavour, until Ablett lept to the heavens. Although he missed the following shot, on one leg he followed up the next contest allowing Garry Hocking to goal. Hocking goaled again minutes later to sink Collingwood.

Round: 7 Venue: M.C.G. Date: 08-May-1994 2:00 PM Attendance: 52,342
Geelong 7.3 13.9 15.12 18.16 124
Collingwood 0.1 4.10 12.14 13.18 96

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[38Sport2002]

What a game! The passage of play leading up to it was awesome. Footy at it's best in the 90s - the greatest.

[hoever06]

@38Sport2002 Thanks mate, I agree. The Cats shot out of the blocks and the Pies were really challenging after kicking nine of the previous 11 goals up to this clip. I really wanted to show the passage of play leading up to the mark because I think it is often forgotten that this was taken with five minutes left in the match and was the spark needed for Geelong to settle and win. Hocking goes on to kick yet another goal on his left from the left forward pocked a couple of minutes later.

[brassmonkeyhearts]

@Aussieboy8 you do realise that to take a mark all you have to do is control the ball to the ground, he had the ball when he hit, and dorpped it on impact, that's a mark

[windigo44]

@sliat1981 - Though I am a Cats fan, born & raised in G-town, I'd have to agree with you about the Shaun Smith mark. Of all the screamers I've have the privilege to see, no one in my estimation ever got as high up as Smith did to nab a T.W. Sherrin. Smith came down from much higher in the sky than Ablett did here but held onto it all the way.

I only wish Smith's grab was shot in crisper detail & from multiple angles. It was freakish.

[windigo44]

Watching at normal speed I reckon I would NOT have paid it as it seems he doesn't have control of the ball BUT when I view it in slow-mo I see that:

1) as he spins 180 degrees he taps the ball down with his left hand and as he falls

2) he catches it between his upper right arm & ribcage & juggles it before

3) he SECURES it in the crook of his elbow about a metre from the turf when

4) the impact with the ground jars it loose.

Close call but I'd pay it. Looks like he finally had control.

[sliat1981]

that was not a mark he dropped it 2 his chest and it bounced away. shaun smith's was the mark of the century

[jondoe4171]

He had the ball till he landed on his back. It was a mark. I am a cats fan. If it was a maggies player , I would still agree. Although begrudgingly . Go the Mighty Cats. Can They do it again in 2012. Let's hope so.

[shinsplints101]

Sento that WAS a mark he had control half way down hace a look hence why anlett knew hed marked!

Pause it you he had ball in right arm only came out when hit the ground

Greatest mark of all time

[Sento35]

Not a Mark, but great effort

[SearchAnimalChin]

I SEEN MY 7YR OLD DAUGHTER TAKE A BETTER MARK PLAYIN FOOTY WITH HER BROTHER WITH A ROLLED UP PAIR OF SOCKS IN THE HALLWAY OF THE HOUSE. PATHETIC 2 TOUCHES AND DROPPED IT!!!!!

[doowopsnhooligans]

hate to be the opponent getting a face full of balls!

[puff6759]

it was a mark but he just needed to mark it perfectly