Smith has eyes on a Don flag

DEVON Smith says he has arrived at Essendon to win the premiership that eluded him at Greater Western Sydney.

But the 24-year-old halfforward hopes he has not jeopardised the Jake Stringer trade and is desperate to play with his former AFL academy roommate.

Smith said yesterday he had put his hand up to play in this year’s semi-final and preliminary final despite knee issues. When GWS overlooked him it was the last straw.

Smith was determined to get back to a club where he could still push for a flag.

Not only is he a relentless ball winner he has averaged five tackles a game in his career.

Smith said yesterday his plan had always been to win a premiership at GWS then move back to Victoria.

The former Lara and Geelong Falcons junior, who confirmed he had signed a fouryear deal with Essendon, firmly believes the Bombers have the makings of a title-winning list.

“That is definitely the plan. I didn’t get there with GWS. I missed out on two preliminary finals and both those teams went on to win it,’’ he said.

“You are always planning on success and playing in finals and Essendon’s goal is definitely to win it.

“They have young players who are pushing the older guys and just look at the spine with [Michael] Hurley, Joe Daniher, [Cale] Hooker, it’s pretty exciting.”

Smith had no idea how his trade was to be brokered and was shocked when Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro told him to drop into Bomber headquarters yesterday on his way to the Gold Coast for a holiday.

As it turned out the Bombers gave up pick 11 and a 2018 future third-rounder, but also received pick 24 and a 2018 second-rounder.

Smith would still love to play with Dogs forward Stringer, having been blown away by the breathtaking talent he saw live over the years.

“I just really wanted to get there. I didn't really mind how they did it. I hope that doesn’t stuff up the Stringer and [Adam] Saad deals too much,’’ he said. “It would be great to play with [Stringer] given what he has already done as a 22year-old premiership player. Everyone is talking about the bad stuff they have heard and the rumours going around.

“But from what I have seen first-hand he’s a hard match-up and an unbelievable talent.”

The foundation GWS player tore his lateral meniscus midyear then it flared again when he was tackled on to a Launceston sprinkler head in the Round 16 game against Hawthorn.

He battled through the rest of the season but conceded he was disappointed to be overlooked for both finals when he believed he was fit.