Essendon Coach John Worsfold will be looking to unleash a flexible midfield with added speed when the Dons take the field in 2018.
Worsfold added to his midfield group with the signing of former GWS player Devon Smith.
The 24-year-old recruit will join a midfield core that includes Zach Merrett, Brendon Goddard, Dyson Heppell, David Zaharakis, David Myers and Darcy Parish.
There is also the potential for Rising Star Andrew McGrath to spend more time in the midfield, as he did late in the 2017 season.
“It’s a very flexible group, we’ve added a lot of speed to it,” Worsfold said.
“This (Smith’s inclusion) just really bolsters that.
“McGrath does add a lot of speed through our midfield and the flexibility of all of those guys … Zach Merrett we know can really impact the game when he’s not on ball and sitting across the forward line … we think all of those guys can do that.
“So between half forward, through the middle of the ground and on the wings, we’re starting to build a really well balanced team.”
Smith averages 18 disposals per match across his 109 game career.
Worsfold said Smith has the drive to help the team progress further up the ladder.
“He’s an exciting midfielder who hunts the footy, uses it well and will give us really strong run,” Worsfold said.
“He obviously adds that depth that we’ve been looking to add to our midfield group.
“The first thing is talent - we want guys we know can play at the elite level – but also character – guys that are hungry to get the best out of themselves fit in with what we’re trying to build here in terms of players owning their own career and driving themselves to achieve the maximum they can.
“By doing so they help us as a team achieve the goals we’re aiming to achieve.
“’Dev’ fits all of those things for us.”
