There are few better sights than Adam Saad in full flight, and in 2019, Bombers fans were treated to the electrifying best of the dashing defender.

Playing 22 games for the third consecutive season, the 25-year-old produced a career-best year to claim third place in the Crichton Medal - the first podium finish in a club best and fairest for the former Sun.

He set new personal bests for average disposals (17.6), rebound 50s (4.7), tackles (3.4) and metres gained (352.5), celebrating his first goal as a Bomber with a beauty against the Hawks, and stepping up on the big stage with an exhilarating performance in his maiden final.

While missing out on selection in the initial All-Australian squad, Saad would have certainly been discussed among selectors, having established himself as one of the league's leading small backmen this year. 

KEY STATS 

Games: 22

Goals: 3

Average disposals: 17.6

Average rebound 50s: 4.7

Average bounces: 2.4

Disposal efficiency: 80.2%

BEST PERFORMANCE

Saad's elite rebound and defensive pressure proved match-defining in a nail-biting win over North Melbourne in round 17.

Amassing 22 disposals, five rebound 50s, four tackles and game-highs for inside 50s (eight) and metres gained (579), he was prolific all afternoon but saved his best for last.

Recording four inside 50s in a frantic final five minutes, Saad's repeated entries thwarted all of the Kangaroos' attacking forays, keeping the ball locked inside Essendon's attacking half to eventually lead to Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti's go-ahead goal in the dying seconds.

MIGHTY MOMENT

It took 34 games to happen, but Saad's first goal as a Bomber was worth the wait.

Intercepting a handpass on the wing, Saad put on the afterburners, danced past Hawthorn's Jarman Impey and slammed the ball on the boot from the 50m paint to bring the house down at Marvel Stadium.

It was the cherry on top of one of his best performances this season.

2020 VISION

Durable, consistent and crucial to the Bombers' slingshot style of footy, Saad only enhanced his value in 2019.

He'll look to bring more of the same in his third year in the red and black, while a 100-game milestone (currently on 92) will be firmly in his sights.