Powerful forward Shaun McKernan produced a career-best season in 2019.

Stepping up to fill the void left by Joe Daniher for the second successive season, the 29-year-old featured in his first final in one of 16 senior games - his best output in five years as a Bomber.

His supreme confidence in the air and ability to get to more contests were highlights, increasing his average for contested marks from 1.5 (2018) to 2.4 to place him second overall in the competition.

The former Crow's willingness to pinch-hit in the ruck also proved crucial, and there was no better example than round 15, when he covered for an injured Tom Bellchambers to will the Bombers to victory against the Giants.

McKernan also achieved something he'd never done before in his 11-year career: poll three Brownlow votes in a game.

That came against the Suns in round 19 on the back of four goals and a whopping six contested marks.

Having worked hard on improving his fitness over recent pre-seasons, it came as no surprise that McKernan had the year he did.

KEY STATS

Games: 16

Goals: 17

Average disposals: 12.1

Average contested marks: 2.4

Average score involvements: 4.1

Average metres gained: 208.1

BEST PERFORMANCE

The Suns had no answer for McKernan in round 19.

Simply unstoppable in the aerial battles, he set a new career-high for contested marks (six), while equalling his best for goals (four).

On an evening where both sides' forwards flourished, no player took more marks inside 50 than McKernan, who deservedly polled three Brownlow votes for the first time in his career. 

MIGHTY MOMENT

With 2:17 left on the clock and the Giants up by six points in round 15, the Bombers needed a hero.

Enter, McKernan.

Having shouldered the ruck duties after Bellchambers went down with a calf injury, McKernan stepped up once again when his side needed him most, splitting the middle on the run to tie the scores and send the Bomber faithful into a frenzy.

His exhilarating goal paved the way for Cale Hooker's match-winner in a famous win.

2020 VISION

McKernan certainly reaped the benefits of his hard work in 2019, cementing his position in coach John Worsfold's best 22.

Despite turning 30 next year, all signs indicate he's still got plenty to give.

And if he can stay fit and play 22 matches in 2020, the 100-game milestone will be reached.