Tony Modra flew high above the goal square at Football Park to claim his second Mark of the Year on this day 20 years ago.
A cult-figure at Adelaide and then Fremantle, Modra won his first Mark of The Year award in 1993 after taking a memorable screamer on top of North Melbourne’s Ian Fairley.
It was a sign of things to come for the Kangaroos, who had front-row seats to see history repeat as Modra earned his second MOTY award four years later.
The victim this time was veteran Roos defender Mick Martyn. As the ball flew deep inside 50m, ‘Godra’ climbed Martyn’s shoulders, seemingly sitting in the sky before twisting to claim the mark and falling just shy of the goal line.
Modra’s high-flying exploits were matched by his goalkicking ability. He went on to kick six goals against the Roos that day, but it wasn’t enough for the Crows who fell 22-points short.
It wouldn’t be the last time Modra’s leap haunted a team wearing shades of blue and white. He scored his third Mark of the Year playing for the Dockers against Geelong in 2000.
Modra kicked five or more goals 10 times in 1997 to claim the Coleman Medal with 81.
The popular forward also went on to gain All-Australian selection.
However, he missed out on the ultimate prize – a premiership medal – after injuring his knee in the Preliminary Final and missing Adelaide’s maiden Grand Final.
June 15, 1997 – Round 12
ADELAIDE: 2.1 5.7 9.10 12.11 (83)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 4.4 7.6 1.7 16.9 (105)
GOALS: Modra 6, Vardy 2, Bickley, Johnson, Liptak, Robran
BEST: Modra, Vardy, Bickley, Liptak
ATTENDANCE: 43,345 at Football Park
