Devon Smith has backed Jake Stringer to bounce back from a tough 2017

ESSENDON’S star recruits Devon Smith, Jake Stringer and Adam Saad hit the training track on Monday as the Bombers begin their charge to Round 1. SEE THE PHOTOS

Devon Smith and Jake Stringer at Essendon training. Picture: Michael Klein

ESSENDON recruit Devon Smith has backed Jake Stringer to bounce back from a horror 2017.

Despite being on opposite sides of a sometimes heated GWS and Western Bulldogs rivalry in recent years, the new Bombers were all smiles on Monday as they hit the track with their new teammates.

The duo took part in light drills before completing a running session away from the main group.

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This is the second time Smith and Stringer will line up side-by-side, having also gone through the AFL’s AIS Academy together as juniors and even rooming together on some trips.

Smith said it was exciting to see Stringer’s name also linked to the Bombers during the trade period and was impressed by the former Bulldog’s attitude.

“He is doing all the right things. I was just in the altitude chamber with him then and we were both sweating it up,” Smith said.

Devon Smith at Essendon training. Picture: Michael Klein

“He is a young man and obviously he probably would have done a few things differently.

“He is just happy to be back and going to go about his work. Head down, bum up and hopefully get the performance on the field.”

Stringer isn’t the only new Bomber with a point to prove.

After battling knee issues throughout last season, Smith was overlooked for selection for Greater Western Sydney’s preliminary final loss to Richmond.

While admitting the snub left him “bitter”, the 24-year-old is almost back to 100 per cent and is confident he will be able to push into Essendon’s midfield next year.

“It was a bitter way to finish in the end. It was disappointing not to play in a prelim. I wish the Giants the best,” he said.

“I think every club, you’ve got to fight your way in there (the midfield).

“It is very exciting to work with (Dyson Heppell) and these sort of guys. Even Andy McGrath, last year’s Rising Star, he has gone in the midfield and Darcy Parish, I forget these guys are so young.

“It is quite a scary prospect for the years to come.”

With Essendon also adding former Gold Coast Sun Adam Saad in the off-season, Smith believes “the sky is the limit” as to what the Bombers can achieve in 2018.

“We’ve got to do the hard work. We have a pretty good draw so hopefully we can get a few wins early and get rolling.”

Jake Stringer and Devon Smith together. Picture: AAP Images

Jake Stringer running towards the ned of session .Pic: Michael Klein

Adam Saad shows off his pace at Essendon training. Picture: Michael Klein

Jake Stringer warms up at Essendon training. Picture: Michael Klein