The Goal of the Year is a competition for the best goal kicked in the Australian Football League (AFL) during that season. It is run in conjunction with the Mark of the Year competition and is currently sponsored by Rebel Sport. The winner is awarded the Phil Manassa Medal. The concept of awards for the goal and mark of the year is thought to have been initiated in 1970, as an unofficial award given by the media to Alex Jesaulenko following his famous mark in that season's grand final. The official awards were first given in 2001. Eddie Betts has been awarded Goal of the Year on an unparalleled four occasions, the most of any player, and is the only player to win the award in consecutive seasons.
Eddie Betts has won Goal of the Year on a record four occasions – thrice playing for Adelaide (2015, 2016 and 2019) and once for Carlton (2006).
Daniel Rioli (Richmond) was awarded the 2017 Goal of the Year.
In Australian rules football, a player can take a mark by catching the ball from a kick, which earns protection from tackles. In the Australian Football League (AFL), the mark subjectively judged the best in each season is named Mark of the Year.
Marks where one player jumps upon another's back for height – known as "spectacular marks" – are often named Mark of the Year.
