Lifelong Bomber fan Tom Madden lived a childhood dream on Sunday afternoon after Jake Stringer high fived him in the crowd following his goal of the year contender.

Madden has held those seats since his first year of Essendon membership and said he always hoped he would be part of a special moment in history.

“I’ve been a member for 18 years now and I’m only 22 now. We have held the same seats for 18 years, but we have never had anything like that happen,” Madden said.

“My family have a strong Essendon connection so it started when I was born and started going to games when I was about 4 or 5”.

His passion for the Essendon Football Club was clear and when he was invited back by Jake Stringer to The Hangar, it was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“My family are very passionate supporters and the Essendon footy Club means a lot to me, it’s a great club to be a part of,” Madden said.

“It happened so quickly, he looked straight at my eyes and thankfully he gave the high five back.”

Stringer acknowledged the amazing support received by the Essendon faithful and said it was a great opportunity to give back to passionate supporters.

“The fans have been amazing, they have been so welcoming ever since I have come here and it was good to give back in a game,” Stringer said.

“Without the supporters there is no football club so realistically all the times we go out to play for each other and everyone involved in the club, both internally and externally”

“It’s massive for us to be able to give back in some way, if that’s a high five over the fence or giving the footy to a little kid.”

Stringer was nominated for the Coates Hire Goal of the Year award and hoped he would be able to provide Bomber fans with more moments of magic later in the year.

“I’ve been close a couple of years (to goal of the year) but hopefully I’ve got a sniff early in the year and I can pull out another couple of good goals later in the year” Stringer said.

Madden’s moment in history was further enhanced when Stringer sought him out post-match to give him a signed football.