Aaron Francis leaps into mark of the year contention with massive grab over Paddy Ryder

IT’S been a bumper year for big grabs, and emerging Essendon young gun Aaron Francis may have saved the best for last. WHAT’S YOUR MARK OF THE YEAR?

Aaron Francis marks over teammate Adam Saad and Paddy Ryder. Pic: AFL Media

IT’S been a bumper year for big grabs, and emerging Essendon young gun Aaron Francis may have saved the best for last.

Francis is sure to jump into calculations for the AFL’s annual mark of the year gong after soaring high during the Bombers’ final-round win over Port Adelaide on Friday night.

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But the emerging Essendon defender has plenty of competition.

Earlier this year Lion Charlie Cameron leapt high against the Hawks to thrust his name into reckoning, while teammate Cam Rayner also plucked a beauty against Adelaide.

What a leap from Charlie Cameron! 🆙

That's certainly a @woolworths Mark of the Year contender from the new Lion.#AFLLionsHawks pic.twitter.com/sqgnFCAWm1

— AFL (@AFL) May 20, 2018

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Charlie Curnow brought back memories of Alex Jesaulenko with his MCG classic over the Pies, but it was his big pack on the same day that won mark of the week — and the subsequent mark of the year nomination — while Liam ‘Flyin’’ Ryan also soared earlier this season.

Charlie Curnow’s big grab. Pic: AFL Media

Eagle Liam Ryan is a noted high-flyer. Pic: Getty Images

More recently, Swan Isaac Heeney jumped over Demon Jesse Hogan — many fans thinking he sealed the award with his huge grab — while Eddie Betts took a huge mark late last week to ensure his team earned victory against North Melbourne.

And what would a mark of the year competition be without a Jeremy Howe entry?

Isaac Heeney took a screamer over Jesse Hogan. Pic: AFL Media

Aaron Francis jumped over teammate Adam Saad and Paddy Ryder. Pic: AFL Media

Last year the star Magpie was controversially pipped when the award was announced on Brownlow Medal night.

Joe Daniher took home the honours for his massive grab, beating Howe’s Queen’s Birthday hanger.

As a result, the League changed its voting system.

Eddie Betts jumped high in the final minute against the Kangas. Pic: Getty Images

Freo’s Michael Walters soared over Jeremy McGovern. Pic: Getty Images

Having previously been determined by weight of fan votes, from this year supporters will become the 11th member of the AFL All Australian selection panel. That panel then determines the overall winner.

MARK OF THE YEAR — 2018 WEEKLY WINNERS

Round 1 — Alex Rance

Round 2 — Liam Ryan

Round 3 — Majak Daw

Round 4 — Jack Riewoldt

Round 5 — Jack Hombsch

Round 6 — Jeremy Howe

Round 7 — Mitch McGovern

Round 8 — Paddy Ryder

Round 9 — Charlie Cameron

Round 10 — Willie Rioli

Round 11 — Matt Guelfi

Jeremy Howe’s huge mark last year wasn’t enough. Picture: Mark Stewart

Howe’s 2018 nomination. Pic: Getty Images

Round 12 — Jason Castagna

Round 13 — Sam Gray

Round 14 — Charlie Cameron

Round 15 — Shaun McKernan

Round 16 — Nic Naitanui

Round 17 — Luke Ryan

Round 18 — Devon Smith

Round 19 — Majak Daw

Round 20 — Michael Walter

Round 21 — Isaac Heeney

Round 22 — Eddie Betts

Round 23 - ????

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