AFL Goal of the Year: Will Ashcroft, Paul Curtis, Dan Houston named finalists

Bryn Wakefield

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AFL Goal of the Year: Will Ashcroft, Paul Curtis, Dan Houston named finalists image

Three finalists for the AFL Goal of the Year award have been revealed, with the winner set to be announced in the coming weeks. 

The exciting award has seen winners like Eddie Betts, Lance Franklin, and Essendon's Sam Draper, who took out the honour last year. 

MORE: AFL Awards Night Winners 2023

AFL Goal of the Year finalists

AFL fans will be able to vote for their best goal of the season before Monday, September 11 at 10am AEST.

Voters can choose from three goals:

Will Ashcroft - Brisbane vs. Fremantle, Round 7

First-year gun Will Ashcroft could be the favourite for the AFL Goal of the Year with his mid-air effort from the boundary at the Gabba. 

The tight angle and split-second reaction of Ashcroft will no doubt catch the eyes of voters, as they consider a trio of phenomenal goals. 

Paul Curtis - North Melbourne vs. Sydney, Round 10 

North Melbourne's Paul Curtis produced a brilliant solo goal against Sydney in Round 10, earning him a chance to immortalise his goal as the best of the season. 

The 20-year-old broke two tackles on his way to slotting a tight-angled shot from the pocket at Marvel Stadium.

Dan Houston - Essendon vs. Port Adelaide, Round 16

Dan Houston's game-winning thump from outside 50 is a unique nomination, with context playing a major role in its Goal of the Year chances. 

Taking a mark from the forward flank in wet, slippery conditions, Houston calmly guided a 50-metre rocket through the goalposts to sink Essendon after the siren. 

When is the AFL Goal of the Year announced? 

The AFL Goal of the Year is announced during Brownlow Medal Night, which is set to take place on Monday, September 25th. 

Alongside the honours, the AFL Mark of the Year will also be awarded to a deserving winner, and of course, the prestigious Brownlow Medal will be decided. 

MORE: Brownlow Predictor 2023

Previous AFL Goal of the Year winners

First introduced in 1991, the official Goal of the Year award has gone to Adelaide legend Eddie Betts on four occasions, and Hawthorn-Sydney great Lance Franklin twice. 

Past ten winners:

Year Winner Club
2022 Sam Draper Essendon
2021 Caleb Serong Fremantle
2020  Josh Daicos Collingwood
2019 Eddie Betts Adelaide
2018 Jack Higgins Richmond
2017 Daniel Rioli Richmond
2016 Eddie Betts Adelaide
2015 Eddie Betts Adelaide
2014 Matthew White Port Adelaide
2013 Lance Franklin Hawthorn

Bryn Wakefield

Bryn Wakefield Photo
Bryn is a content producer for Sporting News, covering AFL and Australian Rules Football. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he has thrived in the passionate sporting city, desperate for ultimate success despite its underdog tag.