Devon Smith ready to stake his claim for a spot in Essendon’s midfield

ESSENDON recruit Devon Smith feels like he’s been “drafted again” as he relishes his new role but says the fight is on to cement a spot in John Worsfold’s midfield.

Devon Smith has his first team photo with the Bombers. Picture: Getty Images

DEVON Smith has vowed to bring his aggressive approach to an Essendon side he believes has every chance of pushing deep into September.

Smith, who also revealed Bombers great James Hird had personally wished him well in the No.5, said the heat was on at his new club.

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The former Greater Western Sydney small forward was involved in a spat with new teammate Darcy Parish in a heated intra-club match on Friday as he looks to cement a spot in coach John Worsfold’s ­midfield.

“I think it’s competitive footy. You’re not going hard enough if the boys aren’t competing for spots ... that’s footy,” Smith said.

“I’ve been told to be myself here. You’ve got to find the line and obviously (there’s) all the new rules now with fines and (suspensions), but you’ve got to play on the edge and that’s the sport we play.”

Former GWS star Devon Smith gets prepared for the Essendon team photo. Picture: Getty Images

Smith demanded a trade after being overlooked during the Giants’ finals series, but has been reinvigorated at Tullamarine as he adapts to life as an onballer.

He said Essendon had the weapons to trouble its rivals.

“You never know how far you can go. You saw Richmond get on a roll last year and the year before the Doggies,” Smith said.

“Hopefully we just keep improving our team defence because our offence is really good and hopefully we can give it a shake. Our forward line is as good as any in the competition.

“The other day they said, ‘Put your hand up if you’ve played 50 games’ and not even half the room did.

“I was like, ‘Wow, we’ve got a lot of room for improvement’ and it’s exciting.”

Smith comes into the season with questions marks, with his transformation from goalsneak to regular midfielder coming after knee injuries sidelined him for 10 games in 2016 and six last season.

Devon Smith is tackled by Martin Gleeson at training. Picture: Getty Images

However, he has completed 90 per cent of the pre-season, is keen for AFLX and has been buoyed by the well-wishes of the last three players to wear the No.5 — Brent Stanton, Hird and Terry Daniher.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence, a new role and a new club, so I’m feeling very confident. I’ve done all my time in the midfield and it feels like I’ve been drafted again,” he said.

“It’s just about managing (the knee) a bit better, and being home is a better balance for me ... catching up with family and friends for a coffee; you don’t realise how much energy that gives you.”

Smith, who was rarely used by the Giants as a midfielder, said he hoped to spend up to 70 per cent of game time in the Dons’ engine room this year.