SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Devon Smith of the Bombers looks on during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Essendon Bombers at GIANTS Stadium on March 24, 2019 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Devon Smith's return is massive for the Bombers this year.
And Garry Lyon believes that what the ex-Giant brings to the table makes him Essendon's most important player.
“I think Essendon’s most important player is Devon Smith,” Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
“What he does with the ball is great but it’s just his manner. He is into everyone, he’s yappy, I think he gives them some self-belief and confidence.”
Smith, 26, won the 2018 Crichton medal in his first season at the Bombers, where he averaged 22 disposals a game and led the league in tackles with a record 186. But a knee injury sidelined him for most of the 2019 season.
In his first appearance since round 8 last year, Smith played very well in the Bombers first Marsh Community Series game against the Eagles, racking up 20 disposals, 6 tackles and kicking a goal.
The Bombers next Marsh Series match sees them face-off against Geelong in Colac on March 9.