Pure ability to mark the ball. Consider every circumstance: uncontested, contested, one-on-one, multiple defenders, pack marks, overhead, out in front, chest marks, on the lead, with the flight of the ball, etc.
I've just been looking at some contested marking numbers going back to 1999 and three guys stand out: Matthew Richardson, Wayne Carey, and Travis Cloke. Richo did 75 contested marks in 20 games (3.75 per game) in 1999, Carey did 66 in 20 (3.3 per game) in 1999, and Cloke did 95 in 25 (3.8 per game) in 2011.
Contested marks would better indicate marking ability than just marks per game IMO. However, a contested mark tells us nothing about the delivery or the amount of defensive attention faced. A pack mark and a one-on-one mark are both contested marks.
I think, based on footage and available stats, I'd have Richo as the best marker of the 21st century. He had big hands and the ball seemed to stick to them like glue. There's a lot of guys in the 20th century with a case to be made and I'd have to refresh my knowledge. I imagine most of the great FFs and CHFs would have arguments to make.
I've just been looking at some contested marking numbers going back to 1999 and three guys stand out: Matthew Richardson, Wayne Carey, and Travis Cloke. Richo did 75 contested marks in 20 games (3.75 per game) in 1999, Carey did 66 in 20 (3.3 per game) in 1999, and Cloke did 95 in 25 (3.8 per game) in 2011.
Contested marks would better indicate marking ability than just marks per game IMO. However, a contested mark tells us nothing about the delivery or the amount of defensive attention faced. A pack mark and a one-on-one mark are both contested marks.
I think, based on footage and available stats, I'd have Richo as the best marker of the 21st century. He had big hands and the ball seemed to stick to them like glue. There's a lot of guys in the 20th century with a case to be made and I'd have to refresh my knowledge. I imagine most of the great FFs and CHFs would have arguments to make.
