When is a mark paid?

In the field umpire's opinion, a player takes a mark by catching or taking control of the football:

• within the playing surface (or before it has passed completely over the boundary, goal or behind line);
• after it was kicked by another player a distance of at least 15 metres; and
• without it having touched the ground or been touched by another player.

A mark is also paid if the ball was touched by an umpire or other official before the player caught it. The mark is set where the catch was taken, and the player may then play on or take the kick after the opposition has stood the mark.

Source: Laws of Australian Football 2026, Laws 15.1 to 15.3.