David Hille, 27, won the Crichton medal in 2008 so it was no surprise that Bomber fans marked him well in their report card ratings.

The 1999 pick 40 in the AFL National Draft received an 8.44/10 in 2008, up from 5.24/10 in 2007.

The 201cm giant has now played 144 games, and kicked 106 goals, for Essendon since making his debut in 2001.

To see assistant coach Scott Camporeale discuss Hille’s 2008 season click here.

2006

Games – 21
Kicks – 136
Handballs – 164
Marks – 92
Goals – 13

Fans’ report card rating 6.83/10.

2007

Games – 18
Kicks – 113
Handballs – 115
Marks – 70
Goals – 7

Fans’ report card rating 5.24/10.

2008

Games – 20
Kicks – 176
Handballs – 147
Marks – 103
Goals – 19

Fans’ report card rating 8.44/10.

Here is what the fans thought of Hille’s 2008 season:

Greg Kemp - A great year from David. Hopefully next year he will continue to improve and be the league's best big man over the next few years - certainly has that potential.

Colin Duck - Ready to become one of the AFL's leading ruckmen.

Andrew Hong - Great work this season Hille, well done!

Lucy Cannizzaro - David has improved 100% over the last 12 months and I think he will be even better next year. He has become by favourite player. I think he will make a great captain. I look forward to seeing him play next year.

Philip Martin - Hille what a leader. Good, hard, solid year. Has developed into the AFL's best ruckman, what you want in a ruckman he can do more than just ruck. I bet the best is still to come.

Gen Neumann - Excellent year, lifted the Bombers mid season and almost got us to the finals. Lots to look forward to next year.

Stephane Millien - In 2008, Hille finally came of age and definitely deserved every bit of his first Crichton medal. His presence in the ruck was invaluable, as Knights continues to build a midfield unit that will structure heavily around the big fella. He has set a new benchmark for himself and will be challenged to take his game further in 2009 (A task he is most certainly up to!!).

Peter Bonfa - David Hille had easily his best season yet cementing himself as one of the best ruckmen in the AFL. He got tap outs, possessions, kicked goals and put his body on the line several times. You can't ask for more than that from a ruckmen.

Julian McGuire - Great year from Hille, improved so much. The key to the future and probably the second best ruckman in the league behind Cox. Statistically behind Sandilands, but Sandilands' team doesn't win clearances like Essendon do.

Emma Zxcxcasc - Great year especially at the beginning and middle but at the end didn’t play well. Great year was awesome to watch.

Peta Sutherland - Every game starts at the beginning, not half time. Essendon’s bad period coincided with him being asleep at the beginning.

Nicholas Morrey - Had an outstanding year and was very unlucky not to get All-Australian honours. Hopefully he can push on and be just as good next year.

Brad Jones - How Hille wasn’t All-Australian is a mystery. Top season.

Tina Saccone - Sensational season by Hille - showed great leadership and skill. An integral part to the team.

Barry Douce - Had a good year but was way overdue considering the time he has been in the system and his age. Needs to follow up now with more consistent good games.

Mark Elze - Outstanding season. Has come of age as a player in his own right and a leader at the club. Insane decision to leave him out of the All-Aust team! Well done Walls you bufoon!

Paul Janevski - He showed he can play over a five game stretch, which frustrates us more knowing he can, but most weeks he doesn't.

Ricke Dovey - Simply brilliant from our big man! Stepped up and showed leadership with youngsters around. Rucked well, kicked goals, and got a lot of ball for a ruckman.

Dale Caldwell - You are a beast in ruck or up forward. You should have been in the All-Australian team, brilliant year.

Brendan Hayes - Great start to the year. Best he's ever played. Consistency for the whole year would be a goal for next season.

Jeff Hammond - David took a great leap forward this year. Although he is not in the best centre bounce ruckman around, he certainly is around the ground and in throw ins. If he keeps up the current improvement he could become a genuine superstar.

Daniel Farrugia - Great year, showed that he was one of the elite ruckman in the game, will be pushing for the No 1 mantle in the league next year.

Kenneth Sikaris - Fantastic leader on the ground. Now able to dominate a game by totally determining the centre breaks. Works best with Jobe.