Devon Smith

2022 - 8 - 12

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Essendon Football Club"

Devon Smith calls time on AFL career (Essendon Football Club)

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.

He was an ultimate competitor and was selfless in his role when the side required it. 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. 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.

Bomber Devon Smith set to announce shock retirement (Zero Hanger)

Essendon veteran Devon Smith is understood to have announced his retirement from the AFL.

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 want to thank all my past and present teammates for all their support across the journey. “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.”

Knee injury ends Devon Smith's AFL career (PerthNow)

A degenerative knee injury has forced Essendon hard-nut Devon Smith to retire from the AFL, aged just 29.

"Devon added immense tackling pressure and his ability to hit the scoreboard always strengthened our side when he was at his prime." "He was an ultimate competitor and was selfless in his role when the side required it. "I've loved my AFL journey and I've had the true privilege of representing two fantastic football clubs.

Bombers midfielder announces retirement at the age of 29 (AFL)

Essendon and former GWS player Devon Smith retires from the AFL after 182 games across 11 seasons.

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 want to thank all my past and present teammates for all their support across the journey. "Despite his body letting him down at times with his injuries, Devon was always hungry to get the best out of himself," Mahoney said.

Bombers midfielder forced to retire at the age of 29 (AFL)

Essendon and former GWS player Devon Smith retires from the AFL after 182 games across 11 seasons.

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 want to thank all my past and present teammates for all their support across the journey. "Despite his body letting him down at times with his injuries, Devon was always hungry to get the best out of himself," Mahoney said.

Docherty inspired by Cunnington; Don to retire; Grundy's 'emotional ... (The Age)

Sam Docherty has posted a video congratulating Ben Cunnington; Essendon's Devon Smith will hang up the boots; Brodie Grundy is battling an 'emotional ...

“I’ve been through what I’ve been through and without the support I have I couldn’t have got through it. “Early days, I said we are trying to learn how to win. He has yet to commit to the club beyond the end of next season. “He had an operation earlier in the week so, at the moment, he is living in this space where he is not sure. There is a lot to transpire for that to happen,” McRae said. Melbourne have gone 4-6 since opening the season with 10 straight wins to be no guarantee of finishing inside the top four. I hope you absolutely dominate, and the boys get a win for you.” Horne-Francis has had 13, 21, 11 and 12 disposals in his last past four games since returning from a hamstring strain and suspension. I have been watching from afar, and you inspire me every day, so I just want to wish you all the best. “It’s a massive achievement to even get back playing at the level - I am so stoked for you, mate. Cunnington, who recently has also dealt with a calf strain and a bout of COVID, made his VFL return last weekend. I know how hard this journey has been for you and Belinda and the kids,” Docherty said.

Essendon Bomber Devon Smith retires as degenerative knee injury ... (7NEWS.com.au)

A degenerative knee injury has forced a Essendon hard-nut to retire from the AFL, aged just 29.

But, on behalf of everyone at Essendon, mate, you’ve given your heart and soul to this footy club and your footballing career and I just want to wish you all the best.” “I know you’re excited for the next part of your future, mate. Teammate Jake Stringer revealed he was best mates with Smith when they were youngsters in the AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) and said he was excited to join the Bombers at the end of 2017 when he heard Smith was also joining.