Geelong Cats icon Jimmy Bartel has praised Blackburn’s Daniel Wood for an extraordinary mark he achieved during a recent Eastern Football Netball League match, calling it "one of the best" he’s witnessed. Bartel expressed his astonishment that Wood didn’t suffer any injuries from the impressive feat.
The excitement surrounding Wood comes after he endured a tough experience earlier in the season when a similar high jump left him knocked out and with a broken nose. Reflecting on his latest attempt, Wood stated, "Thankfully, this time I stuck the landing slightly better," despite admitting to a hard but safe descent.
Wood, who is currently listed with Box Hill in the VFL, soared to new heights when he climbed onto the shoulders of an opponent, adding an extra boost before catching the ball and crashing heavily onto his back. After this stunning aerial display, he confidently converted a goal, showcasing his skills.
"It’s incredible," Bartel noted on Nine’s Today, clearly impressed by Wood’s talent and agility. AFL greats, including Nick Riewoldt and Steve Johnson, have also lauded the mark, which has rapidly gained traction online, with videos accumulating over 430,000 views. Wood himself acknowledged the whirlwind of attention, excitedly saying, “It’s been a whirlwind.”
Celebrating his 29th birthday just before the match, Wood described the moment he saw the ball coming in and recognised the player in front of him as a potential stepping stone. "It was either going to look really good or really bad," he joked, relieved that the outcome was favourable.
Box Hill shared a post on social media celebrating Wood’s remarkable achievement, declaring it one of the greatest marks in Australian rules football history and even humorously suggesting he deserves a car, boat, or even a spaceship for his efforts. This spectacular mark undoubtedly adds a memorable chapter to Wood’s football journey, capturing the admiration of fans and players alike.