DEVON’S HAPPY HOME
HE is arguably recruit of the year and could win Essendon’s best-and-fairest, so it is little surprise Devon Smith considers his move home his best career decision.
The hard-tackling midfielder, who has played every match this season after leaving Greater Western Sydney at the end of last year, sees similarities between the Giants and the progress of the Bombers in 2018 despite finals looking out of reach.
Essendon needs to defeat ladder-leader Richmond tomorrow night and Port Adelaide in the final round. It also needs a big percentage boost and then hope other results go its way.
Smith, who played in two finals in six seasons in Sydney, is excited about what is being built at Essendon and comfortable with his decision to don the red and black.
“We are going to have this core group for the next four to six years, so that’s exciting. I’ve seen how that works,” he said, referencing the way the Giants built from the ground up.
“It’s still going to take this group another year and a bit to see how each other plays.
“I’m trying to still learn where ‘Saady’ ( Adam Saad) kicks the ball, where Jakey (Jake Stringer) leads.
“Our whole team is doing the same for me.
“We are going to jell and hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.”
Smith grew up in Lara before being picked up at No.14 in the 2011 draft from the Geelong Falcons.
He said he did everything to tell himself he was not homesick in Sydney, but could not escape the feeling he needed to return to Melbourne.
Smith said he felt “reenergised” as soon as he came back, enjoying the simple things like regular catch-ups with family and friends.
The benefits for his football have been obvious.
“I didn’t think I was unhappy in Sydney but, looking back, I was a bit headstrong, and I was a bit homesick, missing family,” Smith said.
“Being at home, being able to catch up with people for a coffee, or have dinner, little things. I feel re-energised with my footy, and I am really enjoying game day again.
“It’s a weird thing but definitely the best thing I have done in my career so far.”