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.

โ€œI think Essendonโ€™s most important player is Devon Smith,โ€ Lyon toldย SEN Breakfast.

โ€œWhat he does with the ball is great but itโ€™s just his manner. He is into everyone, heโ€™s yappy, I think he gives them some self-belief and confidence.โ€

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.