The AFL is pleased to announce Sam Draper from the Essendon Football Club has been named as the winner of the 2022 rebel Goal of the Year Award.

Draper utilised every bit of his incredible athleticism in the lead-up to the goal, which had Bombers fans out of their seats during the final term of their thumping 48-point win over the Suns in Round 18.

Draper snatched the ball out of the ruck contest against Mabior Chol, glided past would-be tackler David Swallow before playing a one-two with teammate Matt Guelfi, which left him with one man to beat in Charlie Ballard.

Despite being closed down and quickly, Draper wasn’t fazed, taking the ball in his stride, fending off the Gold Coast defender and snapping home an audacious banana - while still on the run.

Draper kicked the rebel Goal of the Year in Round 18 of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

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Rd 18 | Draper's ridiculous GOTY contender

Sam Draper scores an unbelievable goal bursting out of the ruck and finishing in mesmerising style.

Draper is the second Essendon player to officially win the award after Bombers legend Matthew Lloyd claimed the Phil Manassa Medal in 2007.

The 23-year-old beats out 2020 winner Collingwood’s Josh Daicos’ incredible solo goal against Draper and his team-mates in Round 19, and Richmond’s Shai Bolton’s remarkable drop punt from deep in the pocket against the Western Bulldogs.

Draper will receive the Phil Manassa Medal and $10,000 thanks to rebel during tonight’s Charles Brownlow Medal Count.

After each of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season's 23 rounds, footy fans voted for their favourite weekly rebel Goal of the Year from a selection of three marks nominated by the AFL Game Analysis Committee.