Star Essendon recruit Devon Smith has admitted feeling mixed emotions after playing a major role in the Bombers’ impressive 35-point victory over Greater Western Sydney.

The former Giant’s sensational first season in the red and black continued at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night as he laid 13 tackles to go with 21 disposals and a goal.

While Smith said he felt for his old side, he described the result as a “huge win” as the Bombers continue to get their season back on track ahead of the Dreamtime at the G blockbuster next Saturday.

“It was mixed emotions for me at the end of the game, I felt for them a bit,” Smith said post-match.

“But on the same note it was such an important game for us and we get a lot of momentum going into Dreamtime next week and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Smith said there had been some ribbing during the week from his ex-teammates and was still thrilled to defeat them and stay on the winners’ list.

“The other day Wardy (Callan Ward) sent me a message saying, ‘Happy Birthday and I hope you’re very sore’, so I thought that was pretty funny.

“There was a bit of banter out there and at the end of the day, though, we’re all mates and it’s probably a bit sweeter for me that we won.”

Essendon was vicious in the contest once again with 85 tackles against the Giants following two-straight weeks of 91 against Carlton and Geelong respectively.

It’s new-found, aggressive approach has reaped rewards in the last fortnight and Smith highlighted the similarities with the club’s upcoming opponents.

“I think we won the tackle count quite convincingly again and that’s what we’re basing our game on,” he said.

“I think it will be a great test next week (against) Richmond, that’s how they won their Grand Final last year, and see how we go against the best.”

Smith has been Essendon’s main contributor in pressure acts and tackles this season and he said he is happy to do the dirty work, admitting his defensive play is at an all-time high.

“That’s the role I’m sort of playing at the moment and I’m more than happy to do that,” Smith said.

“I think I could hit the scoreboard a bit more and get up to 30 disposals, but I’m more than happy having 10 tackles and 20 touches – just whatever the team needs.

“I’m here to win games of footy, so if that means less disposals than I’m happy.”

Since suffering six losses from a seven-game patch, the Bombers have now strongly accounted for two of the league’s most promising outfits and Smith said he hopes the side’s form can role into next week’s clash.

“Last week to do it at home at the G in front of our crowd was a big tick and then to come up here – we usually don’t travel that well – so to come up here (and win) is a big green tick and I can’t wait for next weekend.”