Dev was a favourite. I remember his first season thinking what a fantastic standard he set for the team with his desperate repetitive efforts. When we were asked to choose a signature for the signed guernsey promo we chose Hurls & Dev - 2 guys who gave their all.
It’s sad that he’s never been able to get his body back to be able to replicate that form but Herb has ensured he’ll never be forgotten and will always bring a smile to our faces with the “stop yelling at me Devon” sign off. Love it.
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The scuttlebutt was his last deal (the famed 2 year deal) was for pretty much peanuts.
Either way, we’ve got tons of cap space, it’s a non issue.
RIDICULOUS.
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It’s actually quite shocking watching that and seeing just how much pace and kicking penetration he’s lost.
Equally shocking that we gave him two years but he’s done the right thing by the club - they don’t deserve it.
Regardless, it’s a shame that the standards Dev set for himself onfield weren’t picked up by a few others
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2018 Devon was perhaps the most enjoyable season by a player in over a decade at the club. Hard, consistent, pacey, skillful and tackled like a machine week in week out.
He showed moments afterwards but was never the same after his knee injuries and obviously played often in pain. All the best to him, thanks for trying.
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2012 Jobe, but yeah point still stands dev is the greatest Essendon player of all time.
No one said he was the greatest Essendon player of all time, no need to be a ■■■■.
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Thanks Devon, that speech on Fb was hear wrenching
THIS in a a team sometimes suspect for effort and application Devon’s give 100% fanaticism is what I’ll remember most.
It sure was. What was his final comment regarding jake at the end ?
I was one of the people that criticised Smith as his Body was letting him down. You can only comment on what you see. If he can’t do the things that made him a great footballer then he didn’t deserve a place in the side. He really was gifted a lot of games the last two years. That’s just what happened. It was good to look back at his 2018 highlights and remember how good he was.
I have read a lot of the comments in this thread(and other similar ones) and I get quite sorrowful.
Dev and many others have bled and suffered for this club we barrack for. The only hardship this club has loaded on you (the Blitzer) is disappointment and maybe a lost bet or two.
Devon , Thank you for your contribution , your guts and your pain. Thank you for your B&F year. You are one of my great hero’s , an Essendon footballer. All the best for your future.
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Both knees shot at 29. 
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Thank you Dev.
Your first year with us was brilliant.
It’s a shame your body couldn’t hold up, best wishes for the future,
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At least Dev knew when his time was up. Some can’t take the hint.
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Was probably one of the best individual seasons by an Essendon player since Jobe imo, clearly deserving of the Crichton. It was a shame he/we could never get his knees right because for that season he was virtually perfect.
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The real reason Devon is retiring is the umpire dissent rule. If someone made a part of the game you genuinely love against the rules, you wouldn’t want to play on either!
You could see Hurls in the video thinking it’s only a week until he too has to go through this emotional speech.
Nah, Hurls’ll be back next year…
Was critical in wining that game too imp