MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Debutant Devon Smith gets prepared for during an Essendon Bombers team photo session at The Hangar on February 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Essendon recruit Devon Smith says he will continue to bring his fiery best after a training altercation with teammate Darcy Parish.
The midfield duo were reportedly involved in a heated stoush during the Bombers' intra-club match on Friday, but were on good terms following the exchange.
Smith believes he plays his best footy when he's fired up, so don't expect things to change any time soon.
"I think it's competitive footy. You're not going hard enough if boys aren't competing for spots," Smith said on Tuesday.
"I've been told to be myself here. You've got to find the line and obviously (there are) all the new rules now with fines and stuff. But you've got to play on the edge.
"That's the sport we play."
The 24-year-old was buoyed by the club's youth, expecting further rise from the Bombers in coming seasons as a result of their talented young group of players.
"The other day they said, 'Put your hand up if you've played 50 games' and not even half the room did," Smith said.
"I was like, 'Wow, we've got a lot of room for improvement'.
"Lately I've realised that I am one of the senior guys here. That's something you've got to take on with training and off the field and helping people out.
"I think your first couple of years you're just worried about getting a game but now it's about helping people and helping the team."
Fellow big-name recruit Jake Stringer has been training as a midfielder over the preseason to provide the club with a big body in the guts, whilst youngsters Andrew McGrath, Darcy Parish, Jayden Laverde and Kyle Langford are all putting their case forward for more midfield time in 2018.