Hawthorn’s Nick Watson has claimed the 2026 Virgin Australia AFL Mark of the Year with his incredible ‘horizontal’ grab in Round 24.
Watson took out the Alex Jesaulenko Medal ahead of Fremantle’s Shai Bolton and Melbourne’s Kysaiah Pickett at Monday night’s Brownlow Medal Count.
The small forward took to the skies against the West Coast Eagles at Optus Stadium, reeling in a courageous mark in wet conditions.
As the winner of the 2026 Virgin Australia AFL Mark of the Year, Watson receives $50,000 and two million Velocity Points thanks to Virgin Australia – enough Points for two people to redeem return Business Class Reward Seats to over 600 destinations around the world*.
Virgin Australia Executive Libby Minogue said the airline was thrilled to award this year’s standout AFL moment with two-million Velocity Points.
“Virgin Australia is proud to continue sponsoring Mark of the Year and celebrating the skill and athleticism that makes AFL one of the most loved sports in the country,” Minogue said.
“As the official airline of the AFL, we have supported the league throughout the season, flying more than 1,000 players and coaches from all 18 clubs to matches across the country.
“A big congratulations to Nick on a spectacular mark!
"We are delighted to award Nick with two million Velocity Points, which is enough Points to redeem return Business Class flights on our network that includes more than 600 destinations around the world.”
Watson’s mark was voted the overall winner by the AFL All Australian Panel.
Fans who voted for their favourite mark also went into the running to win $5,000 thanks to Virgin Australia.
Previous winners:
2001 Gary Moorcroft (Essendon)
2002 Jonathan Brown (Brisbane Lions)
2003 Chris Tarrant (Collingwood)
2004 Ashley Sampi (West Coast Eagles)
2005 Luke McPharlin (Fremantle)
2006 Brad Ottens (Geelong Cats)
2007 Michael Newton (Melbourne)
2008 Matthew Lloyd (Essendon)
2009 Brett Burton (Adelaide Crows)
2010 Liam Jurrah (Melbourne)
2011 Andrew Krakouer (Collingwood)
2012 Jeremy Howe (Melbourne)
2013 Jamie Elliott (Collingwood)
2014 Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)
2015 Nic Naitanui (West Coast Eagles)
2016 Majak Daw (North Melbourne)
2017 Joe Daniher (Essendon)
2018 Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans)
2019 Liam Ryan (West Coast Eagles)
2020 Sam Walsh (Carlton)
2021 Shai Bolton (Richmond)
2022 Mitch Georgiades (Port Adelaide)
2023 Harry Himmelberg (GWS GIANTS)
2024 Bobby Hill (Collingwood)
2025 Sam Darcy (Western Bulldogs)
* Reward Seats are subject to availability. Taxes, fees, and carrier charges may be applicable and may vary. Velocity membership and redemption terms and conditions apply.
