Paul Puopolo takes mark of the year frontrunner for Hope Valley in Adelaide Footy League

A triple AFL premiership player has taken a spectacular mark of the year frontrunner after returning to his local SA footy club for season 2023. See the big grab here.

A triple AFL premiership player has turned back the clock to take a spectacular Mark of the Year frontrunner in the Adelaide Footy League.

Star Hope Valley small forward Paul Puopolo – who won three premierships during a 196-game career with Hawthorn and also starred for Norwood in the SANFL – towered above teammates and opposition Pembroke Old Scholars players over the weekend to take a patented specky.

While it was not an enjoyable game for the Demons, who went down by 55 points to the Kings in their round nine division three matchup, Puop0lo’s huge one-handed grab in the second term gave fans and teammates something to cheer about, and currently leads the league’s Mark of the Year competition.

“I guess I’ve always had the ability to take a big mark. I turned around and saw a couple tall guys were there and went for it so I guess it was just instinct,” Puopolo said.

“I guess it more just comes down to confidence – I always did athletics as a kid and had that jumping ability but in footy as a little guy, you’re usually at the front of the pack waiting for a crumb so you’ve got to have the confidence to get a big mark right and keep the coach happy.”

Paul Puopolo takes the Adelaide Footy League Mark of the Year frontrunner for Hope Valley. Picture: Filming Footy

Puopolo has enjoyed his time back at his junior club so far this season, the star forward returning to the Demons after a decorated AFL and SANFL career and a season with Virginia in the Adelaide Plains Football League.

Playing a hybrid forward and midfield role, Puopolo has joined forces with names such as Matt Min, Daniel Nobes and Mitch Sandery to help Hope Valley to a top three position in div three.

“I’ve really enjoyed myself so far and have especially liked helping the younger guys in the team, they’ve all got a lot of potential,” he said.

“We had a really good start to the season but we’ve been struggling a bit with injuries lately in the wet weather so we need to hopefully get through this next period and get back to our best approaching finals.

Puopolo has brought top level experience to the Demons this year. Picture: Sarah Reed

“We’ve got a good mix of older guys and younger guys so we’re also going to keep focusing on developing the youth we have coming through, which will help the club into the future.”

The Demons will take on a Scott Thompson-coached Unley side away from home this weekend in an important game on the ladder, with the Jets sitting on top.

“We took a lot from the first time we played them this year and we know they’re likely to get off to a really strong start at home,” Puopolo said.

“If we can play four consistent quarters and convert our chances we’re going to have a great shot at winning.”