IT MAY have been the year of the returning Bombers, but it was two young guns who stole the show in 2017.
Giving their season verdict on their side in an AFL.com.au survey, Essendon fans named Joe Daniher their player of the season with an emphatic 47 per cent of the vote.
He was followed by midfielder Zach Merrett, whose breakout year was recognised by 23 per cent of fans.
Despite seeing their side comprehensively overwhelmed by Sydney in the elimination final, fans still saw the year as a comparative success, rating it 7.1 out of 10.
Fans were also very supportive of John Worsfold's year, with 95 per cent saying they were happy with the coach.
Here are the full survey results, and a selection of Bomber fans' moments to remember and forget.
What was the moment you'll remember?
Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti's goal against Carlton. What an amazing individual effort.
- Alan Spencer, Baldivis WA
Joey Daniher's twirl when he kicked a 75m bomb on Anzac Day.
- Matthew Winter, Waurn Ponds Vic
Round one against Hawthorn. Seeing all of the returning Bombers playing for the red and black again put a tear to my eye.
- Liam Metcalfe, Seddon Vic
Seeing Jobe Watston off at Etihad in round 23.
- Felicity Nichols-Erikson, Maryborough
What was the moment you'd rather forget?
Losing to the Brisbane Lions in round 15. Thought we had it in the bag but we gave it all away.
- Josh Dowsing, Bendigo Vic
Brendon Goddard's kick-in against the Swans in the dying minutes.
- Steve Goodman, Hampton Vic
The elimination final. Didn't expect to win but hoped we could put in a better effort given our round 14 match against the Swans.
- Toby Warwick, Canberra ACT
The second, third and fourth quarters of the final.
- Blaise Bajram, Melbourne Vic
Bomber fans' season rating
7.1/10
Read more
• More season reviews at the Wash-Up
• Brownlow form guide: your club's best chance for Charlie
