While the Brownlow Medal steals the spotlight on AFL's most prestigious night, three other key awards were handed out that recognised incredible individual achievements on and off the field. Bobby Hill, Harley Reid, and Reilly O'Brien were honoured for their brilliance in the 2024 Virgin Australia Mark of the Year, NAB AFL Goal of the Year, and Jim Stynes Community Award, respectively.

Bobby Hill's spectacular lift secures 2024 Mark of the Year

Collingwood forward Bobby Hill took home the 2024 Virgin Australia Mark of the Year for his high-flying grab in Round 14 against North Melbourne.

Hill leaped over a pack that included Jackson Archer, tall defender Charlie Comben, and his teammate, fellow tall Billy Frampton, landing on his feet in the goal square at Marvel Stadium without assistance in a show of pure athleticism.

Along with the Alex Jesaulenko Medal, Hill was awarded $50,000 and two million Velocity Points, enough for return Business Class flights on Virgin Australia's network.

Hill beat out teammate Jamie Elliott and North Melbourne's Zane Duursma to claim the honour, which was decided by a combination of votes from the public and the AFL All-Australian Panel.

Elliott's iconic ANZAC Day fly over Ben McKay could also have made a worthy winner, lifted by the context of a 95,000 strong MCG crowd and a side-on shot in front of the level one grandstand that will live on for generations.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 25: Jamie Elliott of the Magpies takes a spectacular mark over Ben McKay of the Bombers during the 2024 AFL Round 07 match between the Essendon Bombers and the Collingwood Magpies at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Harley Reid's centre-bounce burst secures Goal of the Year

West Coast Eagles' prized gem Harley Reid was awarded the 2024 NAB AFL Goal of the Year for his incredible running goal in Round 10 against Melbourne.

Reid's moment of brilliance came as he collected the ball one-handed from a ruck tap, sprinting past Christian Petracca, bouncing three times through the middle of Optus Stadium, and scoring from just inside the 50-metre arc.

Reid's remarkable effort earned him the Phil Manassa Medal, $50,000, and a $10,000 donation from NAB to his junior football club, Tongala.

His goal was selected over two stunning efforts from Nick Daicos, with three similar-type goals making the cut for Goal-of-the-Year contenders.

The selections drew some external criticism upon announcement, exclusively favouring the classic run & bounce efforts without any inclusion of someother miraculous majors seen in 2024.

Bayley Fritsch's clutch dribble goal in the soaking wet at the MCG against Geelong probably warranted more recognition.

Though the major snub was Zach Merrett's physics-defying effort from the boundary against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, launching a Hail-Mary drop punt, curling from right to left at the last second to sail through the big sticks. A "gobsmacking goal" as Anthony Hudson exclaimed.

Reilly O'Brien Honoured with the Jim Stynes Community Award

Adelaide Crows' ruckman Reilly O'Brien was recognised for his off-field impact with the 2024 Jim Stynes Community Award.

O'Brien's work with the Open Parachute Mental Health Program, which now supports over 28,000 South Australian students, has had a profound influence. Sharing his personal experiences with mental health, O'Brien has not only advocated for mental health awareness but also encouraged his teammates to join the cause, furthering his outreach.

The award, supported by Telstra and the Jim Stynes Foundation, comes with a $40,000 donation to a charity of O'Brien's choice. His work reflects the essence of the late Jim Stynes' legacyโ€”using the platform of football to make meaningful contributions to the community.

These awards celebrate not only sporting excellence but also community spirit, reminding us of the powerful role AFL players play both on and off the field.