It took just minutes into Rebecca Privitelli’s return to the AFL Women’s competition for her to make her mark - literally - pulling down the 2020 AFL Women’s Mark of the Year.

Privitelli returned to the GIANTS line up in 2020, returning to the field at the elite level for the first time since 2018 after falling out of love with the game. 

Since her return, Privitelli has turned into one of the deadliest marks in the competition, bringing down mark after mark for her team and kicking six goals, playing in all seven games for the GIANTS in 2020.

However, it was the very first mark of her return that caught the eye and wound up with her winning the season’s ultimate prize - beating out three players to take a spectacular pack mark in torrid conditions against the Suns at Blacktown International Sportspark in round one.

Privitelli said she was feeling the nerves heading into that round one game.

“I was pretty nervous for my first game back,” she said.

“I was excited, it had been a long time in the making but I was more excited for the opportunity to play.

"The vibe at training the Thursday was great and we went into it pretty excited.”

She admits she didn’t think much of the mark at the time, more focused on playing her role for her team. But she admitted she relishes any chance to take a grab.

“I didn’t think much of it at the time,” she said.

“I love when the ball comes in high because I love marking contests. 

“There’s something really satisfying about taking a mark. 

“I don’t remember much of it, I didn’t even feel the contact either. 

“It was cool watching it back after the game … My Dad wouldn’t stop showing it.”

Privitelli’s 2020 AFLW Mark of the Year Award was selected by the 10-person AFLW Awards panel. Each panellist had one vote, with the fans’ collective decision also counting as one vote.