Uncompromising Essendon small forward/midfielder Devon Smith has called time on his career after 182 games for the Bombers and Giants.
Smith informed teammates of his decision to hang up the boots on his AFL career on Friday morning.
Drafted to Greater Western Sydney with pick 14 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft, Smith made his debut the following year against Sydney in 2012. He quickly earned an AFL Rising Star nomination in the same season and finished second in the GWS Best and Fairest in his third year at the club.
By 2015, the consistent goal sneak was named in the AFLPA 22Under22 team, and after 109 games at GWS, I requested a trade to the Essendon Football Club in 2017.
Making an immediate impact in the red and black, Smith was named Essendon’s Best and Fairest player in 2018, winning the Crichton Medal with 370 votes. The midfielder averaged 22 disposals and went forward to kick 17 goals in his debut season in the red and black.
Smith showed exceptional defensive skills, finishing with 184 tackles – the highest ever recorded in a home and away season in AFL history.
Hailing from Lara in Victoria, Smith would go on to play 73 games for the Bombers, managing eight senior appearances in 2022.
After battling a degenerative knee injury, Smith said the time was right to hang up the boots.
“While it wasn’t an easy decision to come to, unfortunately I couldn’t quite get the body to where it needed to be to perform week-in and week-out,” Smith said.
“I’ve loved my AFL journey and I’ve had the true privilege of representing two fantastic football clubs.
“I want to thank all my past and present teammates for all their support throughout the journey. As players, your time in the AFL goes by so quickly and my message to them this morning was that they shouldn’t lose sight of the fact it is a privilege to run out with your best mates every week. I’ll miss that the most.
“I wish everyone the best for the journey ahead and I look forward to watching the boys on next season with a beer in hand.”
General Manager of Football Josh Mahoney acknowledged Smith’s service to the red and black over the past five seasons.
“While we’re sad to see Devon hang up the boots, we congratulate him on a wonderful career across two clubs over 11 seasons,” Mahoney said.
Despite his body letting him down at times with his injuries, Devon was always hungry to get the best out of himself. He was an ultimate competitor and was selfless in his role when the side required it. Devon added immense tackling pressure and his ability to hit the scoreboard always strengthened our side when he was at his prime.
“We wish Devon, fiancée Simone and their families the very best for the next chapter of their lives.”