Devon Smith rewarding Essendon’s trade gamble by becoming the AFL’s No.1 pressure player

IT IS shaping up as the most shrewd move from last year’s trade period. Essendon landing Devon Smith for the No.11 draft pick. The former Giant has rewarded the Bombers by becoming the AFL’s No.1 pressure player.

Devon Smith in action for Essendon.

IT is shaping up as the most shrewd move from last year’s trade period.

When Essendon handed off the No.11 draft pick in return for Devon Smith and two second-round choices we thought they were getting a decent small forward with a questionable knee.

Yet five rounds into the season, it seems the Bombers have hit the jackpot.

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Not only is Smith potentially leading the best-and-fairest at his new club, the former Greater Western Sydney ball-winner has added a tough new edge to his game.

The 24-year-old, who was overlooked for selection in the Giants’ three finals last year, is officially the AFL’s leading pressure player entering today’s Anzac Day blockbuster.

For chasing and tackling, Smith (66.6) leads Richmond tough nut Jack Graham (65.8) and Collingwood superstar Scott Pendlebury (63.9) for pressure points, according to Champion Data.

Lachie Hunter is tackled by Devon Smith.

Smith has always been a gifted ball winner, but what he has showcased more than ever this season so far is his selfless side through the midfield and forward lines.

Over the first month of the season, the former Geelong Falcon has produced career-highs in tackles (8), contested possessions (8), inside 50s (4.3) and score involvements (8).

The tenacious work-rate adds important balance to one of the most potent forward lines in the competition led by spearhead Joe Daniher and speedster Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti.

And we are yet to see Smith’s greatest weapon in red and black – his goal nous.

But what lured him to Tullamarine was the chance to become a fully-fledged midfielder after struggling for opportunity through the middle at the Giants.

Devon Smith gets a handball away under pressure from Brad Ebert.

And of all the players who switched clubs last season – including Crow Bryce Gibbs, Magpie Sam Murray, Docker Nathan Wilson and Lion Charlie Cameron – the Smith deal is one of the standouts for value because the Bombers received two second-round picks, as well as the player.

The Bombers last year fought off strong interest from Carlton for Smith, in a move which also pulled the rug out from underneath the Western Bulldogs.

Luke Beveridge’s men wanted the No.11 pick from Essendon for Jake Stringer but in the end accepted two second-round picks (No.25 and No.30) from Essendon.

It meant Essendon list chief Adrian Dodoro essentially landed Smith and Stringer, who hit his straps last week bagging four goals, in exchange for its first-round pick in last year’s draft.

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