Shai Bolton has launched himself into a battle with Liam Ryan for the right to become this century’s first multiple winner of the Mark of the Year prize, with the Docker soaring for a contender against Geelong.

WATCH IT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Bolton launched himself over Cats defender Jake Kolodjashnij and Fremantle teammate Pat Voss at half-forward in the second quarter at Optus Stadium, getting high and leaning backwards before marking on his chest and tumbling to the ground.

The towering effort will rival that of St Kilda’s Ryan from earlier this month, when the former Eagle soared in the forward pocket over Sydney’s Brodie Grundy at the SCG.

Bolton won the Mark of the Year award in 2021 with a high-flying effort against the Cats at the MCG while playing for Richmond, while Ryan snared the prize two years earlier after climbing over Melbourne’s Max Gawn at Optus Stadium.

The Docker backed up Thursday night’s effort moments later as the ball immediately came back into his vicinity, snaffling a low-down diving grab.

“Has anyone had a better 10 seconds than that this year? I’m going to say no,” Analyst Kane Cornes said on Seven’s coverage.

Bolton’s grab was a rare highlight in a frustrating first half against the Cats, where the Dockers were plagued by inaccuracy before finding their range.

Freo were at one point 3.11 before booting three late goals to head to the half-time break at 6.11 (47), nine points in arrears of Geelong.