The 2009 Coopers USFootyNews.com Mark of the Year was awarded to Dane Rolfe of the Calgary Kangaroos. Rolfe's screamer was taken in the Divvy II Grand Final against Milwaukee at the 2009 USFooty Nationals. Rolfe's mark has become something of a symbol for the 2009 Nationals and Damien Moore's photo of the mark has been used around the world including on AFL.com.au. Thanks to all the USFootyNews.com readers for voting.
Rolfe was very excited to hear that he had one the Mark of the Year competition. "I honestly had no idea that you guys even ran a MOY competition. I pretty much play aussie rules so that I can go for big marks! Marking would be the most enjoyable part of the game for me, so it is rewarding for me to win this competition."
Rolfe was particularly satisfied to take the mark in the Grand Final and during an important moment in the game. "The Grand Final was obviously a great setting for the mark. I have to thank the person who took the photo also. I remember the commentator yelling out "oooohhhh Sheardy has come down with snow in his hair" he obviously got me confused with my team mate Matt Sheard.
Calgary's Dane Rolfe chillin' in his Coopers gear while doing a bit of ice fishing.
"The mark itself was set up nicely for me. It was a kickout from fullback and the ball stayed in the air for a while. The opposition was sitting right under the ball allowing me to jump early and use him as a step ladder. I remember being on his shoulders and waiting for the ball to get to me. I landed on my feet and was able to pass it to a team mate who scored a goal. This was in the first quarter and it really helped us to get going!
The Kangaroos went on to win the game and claim the Divvy II USFooty Championship. "The National Championship win was fantastic! It was a real goal of ours all
year to win it! So it was very rewarding to all the players, who had all made
huge efforts to get down there and play, to win it like we did. We are looking
forward to the challenge of winning div 1 this year!"
Damien Moore's photo of Calgary's Dane Rolfe's Mark of the Year.
