As we enter the final week of 2018, it's an opportune time to revisit our best highlights of the year.

Take a look at our top 10 (in no particular order) below, and be sure to vote for your favourite at the end.

Francis returns in style

After taking leave from the club in the pre-season due to a mental health issue, Francis worked tirelessly to earn a return to the senior side having played just five games in his first two seasons at the club. Returning to the team in round 19 off the back of sensational VFL form throughout the year, Francis took his opportunity with both hands and was immediately confident and composed at the top level. His five senior games to finish the year - topped off by a Rising Star nomination in round 22 (see below) and a remarkable mark of the year contender – displayed endless class and talent, thrilling fans young and old and receiving significant praise from several greats of the game.

Begley seals a stirring comeback

A date with reigning grand finalist Adelaide at Marvel Stadium in round one with a handful of exciting off-season recruits was a mouthwatering proposition to kick off the 2018 season. The clash certainly didn’t disappoint any fans, with 43,016 passionate supporters witnessing one of the club’s best victories for the season. The Bombers kicked six of the last seven goals to storm home for a 12-point win, with young forward Josh Begley – playing his fourth senior game – booting the sealing goal with just three minutes remaining in the contest. 

VFLW Bombers create history

The club’s first ever women’s side was always going to take time to find its feet in the VFLW as the inexperienced team continued to jell. After a difficult start to the season with several close calls, the Bombers found themselves winless after eight rounds. But the young side could not be denied a famous victory against Richmond in round nine, with the gutsy defensive unit repelling a barrage of opposition attacks late in the game and the midfield and forward line standing up strongly to claim a thrilling and historic eight-point win.

Francis touches the sky

As referenced above, Aaron Francis put the cherry on top of an exciting finish to the season in style in the final round of the season. The Bombers faced a challenging clash with Port Adelaide in front of a hostile crowd at Adelaide Oval to close out the year and Francis took on the challenge with gusto. A brilliant reader of the play, Francis saw his opportunity to fly from a mile off as the ball was launched high into the night sky midway through the third term. Leaping early on top of teammate Adam Saad and former Bomber Paddy Ryder, Francis clutched the ball at a ridiculous height before landing like a cat to create a moment that will long live in the minds of the club’s fans. 

Hurley vs Franklin

Shutting down superstar Swan Lance Franklin is one of the most difficult tasks in the league, particularly given his average of 4.5 goals against the Dons ahead of the sides’ important clash in round 19. Two-time All-Australian defender Michael Hurley was given the job on this occasion and he passed the challenge with flying colours. From the pair’s very first one-on-one contest, it was clear Hurley would not allow Franklin any time or space to take control of the match. By the end of the game, after several enthralling contests, Hurley had kept the eventual All Australian Captain to just seven disposals and two goals. Hurley collected 12 disposals (at 83.3 per-cent efficiency) and a season-high 11 one-percenters to clearly come out on top in a dominant and memorable performance.

Stringer’s high 10

As the Bombers looked to bounce back in round four against Port Adelaide following two disappointing losses, new recruit Jake Stringer showed just why the club traded for the former Bulldog. The powerful player booted four goals to help the side to a 22-point win, with one major set to sit inside the highlights reel for many years to come. The moment came midway through the final term when Stringer, with the game on the line, showed typical explosiveness to gather the ball at pace deep inside the forward pocket before dribbling the ball home from the boundary line under plenty of pressure. Stringer watched the ball tumble through for a goal right next to the crowd, giving one lucky fan a ‘high 10’ in celebration in a moment not to forget.

Saad and Houli join forces

In round 22 this year, Adam Saad and Tiger Bachar Houli stood together in a unique show of solidarity to stand up against racism. The Islamic players both attended the coin toss prior to the game. It was an opportunity for the pair and each club to celebrate the diversity of Australia and the sport’s participants at all levels. The touching moment was a clear statement from all involved and one each player can be proud of.

Goddard sent off with a win

Heading into the final round of the year, veteran Bomber Brendon Goddard knew the side’s clash with the Power would be his last in the red and black, if not his entire career. In typical style, Goddard played brilliantly, showing all of the class and experience that had seen him tally 334 senior games in a bold statement to end his time at The Hangar. He gathered 27 disposals (at 92.6 per-cent efficiency), six rebound 50s and 23 uncontested possessions as he swept across half-back with confidence and class. His teammates helped get the job done, too, with the 22-point defeat of Port sending the former captain, and future Life Member, off on the right note.

VFL Dons surge into the prelim

An extremely difficult fixture awaited Essendon in the VFL semi-final this year, but the enthusiastic side would not be intimidated by Richmond’s table-topping line-up. Thriving as the underdogs in the contest against the minor premier, the Bombers turned it on in the last term to record a famous five-point victory. With 26 minutes gone in the final quarter, Nick Hind – who has since been drafted by St Kilda – burnt off his opponents inside the Bombers’ defensive 50 with blistering pace before driving the ball inside 50 where James Stewart claimed a crucial contested mark before coolly slotting the game-winning set shot under immense pressure. The winning goal provided a fitting snapshot of what had been another exciting season of attacking football from the VFL side.

Smith claims the Crichton Medal

Arriving at The Hangar with high expectations, Devon Smith wasted no time proving his worth to his new fans in 2018. The former Giant was remarkably consistent throughout the season, adding important grunt and experience to the club’s on-ball brigade. Smith smashed one of the club’s season records, laying 186 bone-crunching tackles, while averaging 22 disposals and booting 17 goals. The tough midfielder fittingly received the 2018 Crichton Medal, polling 370 votes to finish 10 clear of skipper Dyson Heppell, capping off a sensational start to his career in the red and black.