AFL Goal Of The Century — Alex Jesaulenko’s 1970 Magic

The AFL Goal of the Century is the once-in-a-hundred-years award, and Alex Jesaulenko of Carlton owns it. Voted in 2001 to celebrate the AFL’s centenary, the Goal of the Century crowned the single most-celebrated goal of the 1900s. The winner: Jesaulenko’s 1970 Grand Final goal — preceded by his Mark of the Century speccie over Graeme Jenkin, and followed by a snap that sealed Carlton’s premiership comeback. The same play, the same player, two of the most-celebrated 30 seconds in Australian Rules history.

The History: The 2001 Centenary Vote

In 2001, the AFL ran a public vote to celebrate the centenary of the original VFL (1897–2001 — actually 104 years, but the centenary celebrations encompassed both VFL and AFL eras). Multiple “of the century” awards were created: Mark of the Century, Goal of the Century, Player of the Century, Coach of the Century, and others.

Voting was conducted via newspaper polls, fan voting, and AFL panel deliberation. Final results were announced at a special centenary ceremony, with each “of the century” winner permanently recognised.

Alex Jesaulenko’s 1970 Grand Final Moment

Alex Jesaulenko was a Carlton centre-half-forward in the 1969–1970 era. The 1970 Grand Final was Carlton vs Collingwood at the MCG, with the Blues trailing by 44 points at half-time. The third quarter saw Carlton mount one of the most-celebrated comebacks in VFL/AFL history.

The defining moment came in the third quarter:

1. Carlton attacked through the centre.
2. The ball was kicked high into the forward line.
3. Alex Jesaulenko leaped onto the shoulders of Collingwood defender Graeme Jenkin and took an extraordinary contested mark — the future Mark of the Century.
4. Jesaulenko, with the ball in hand, took a quick handball, then snapped the goal — the future Goal of the Century.
5. Carlton’s momentum surged; the Blues went on to win 17.9 (111) to Collingwood 14.17 (101) — a 10-point comeback win after trailing by 44 at half-time.

The combined Mark and Goal — the same passage of play, the same player — became the most-celebrated 30 seconds in VFL/AFL history. Jesaulenko’s name became synonymous with Carlton’s premiership era; the visual of him leaping over Jenkin became one of the most-replayed images in Australian sport.

Why Jesaulenko’s Goal Won

The Goal of the Century vote was always going to be heavily contested. Tony Lockett’s 1996 preliminary final torpedo, Buddy Franklin’s various career goals, and other candidates received significant support. But Jesaulenko’s 1970 Grand Final moment had unique qualifying characteristics:

• It came in a Grand Final.
• It was preceded by an iconic Mark of the Century-quality speccie.
• It directly contributed to a 10-point comeback win.
• It featured one of the most-replayed visual moments in AFL broadcast history.
• Jesaulenko’s combined Mark and Goal made it impossible to vote one without the other.

Trivia for the Pub

• The Goal of the Century was voted in 2001.
• The winner was Alex Jesaulenko’s 1970 Grand Final goal.
• The same goal was preceded by the Mark of the Century.
• Jesaulenko’s mark was over Graeme Jenkin (Collingwood defender).
• Carlton came back from 44 points down at half-time to win the 1970 Grand Final.
• Jesaulenko’s combined mark and goal is the most-replayed sequence in VFL/AFL history.
• The 2001 centenary vote also crowned Player of the Century (Polly Farmer or Leigh Matthews depending on source).
• Voting combined public, panel, and historical input.
• The 1970 Grand Final is widely regarded as one of the greatest comeback wins ever.
• Jesaulenko’s playing career: 256 games, 422 goals.

The Other 2001 “Of The Century” Winners

• Mark of the Century: Alex Jesaulenko’s 1970 Grand Final mark over Graeme Jenkin (same play as Goal of the Century).
• Player of the Century: Multiple sources cite Polly Farmer (Geelong, ruckman) or Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn, midfielder/forward).
• Coach of the Century: Jock McHale (Collingwood, 9 premierships).
• Game of the Century: 1989 Hawthorn vs Geelong Grand Final (Hawthorn 21.18 (144) defeated Geelong 21.12 (138)).

The Rumours

The persistent rumour: another centenary vote in 2050+. Has been canvassed; nothing formal.

The other rumour: splitting the Goal of the Century into eras. Won’t happen — the 2001 vote is preserved as a one-off.

The Verdict

The Goal of the Century crowned Alex Jesaulenko’s 1970 Grand Final moment, and the choice has stood the test of time. The combined Mark and Goal of the Century — the same player, the same play, leaping over Graeme Jenkin and snapping a comeback goal in the Grand Final — is the most-celebrated 30 seconds in VFL/AFL history. Long live Jesaulenko.

The 2001 centenary vote was a moment when the AFL pause to reflect on its history. Jesaulenko’s win in both Mark and Goal categories captured what makes Australian Rules unique — the contested marking pack, the immediate handball-and-snap finish, the comeback win in a Grand Final. Every element of footy at its theatrical best, all in one passage of play.