STAR Essendon recruit Devon Smith is relishing an unofficial leadership role in his first season at the Bombers. 

The 24-year-old, who requested a trade from the Giants after two injury-riddled seasons, has become a senior player at the Bombers following the retirement of several club stalwarts, including former skipper Jobe Watson.

Smith wants to use his experience to help his new teammates.

"[I've] played 100 games now," Smith said on Tuesday. 

"I am one of the senior guys here and that's something you've got to take on with training and off the field.

"The other day they said 'put your hand up if you've played 50 games' and not even half the room did.

"We've got a lot of room for improvement and excitement for the next 4-6 years."

The former first-round pick hopes to play in Essendon's upcoming AFLX campaign with an eye to round one, where he expects to spend 70 percent of his time in the midfield, a drastic increase from his half-forward role at the Giants.

"It's something I look forward to (playing in the midfield) … learning off guys like Dyson (Heppell) and (Zach) Merrett," he said. 

"I've got a lot of confidence, a new role and a new club. [It] feels like I've been drafted again.

"[But] there's no guarantee for round one. I've got to go out there and prove myself."

Smith battled a meniscus injury in 2017, limiting him to 16 games and being overlooked by the Giants in their finals campaign.

He has played 109 games and kicked 100 goals.

Essendon is holding an intraclub match this Saturday at Tullamarine, before playing Hawthorn and St Kilda at Etihad Stadium in their AFLX pool.