Essendon used their biggest chip on Devon Smith when they sent pick No.11 to Greater Western Sydney early on Thursday morning.

Smith was a player in demand who could shift his attention elsewhere to St Kilda, Carlton or Collingwood if the Bombers dithered.

In limbo: The Bulldogs will have to seriously consider taking the Bombers' second-round picks, 24 and 29, in exchange for Jake Stringer when the parties meet again. Credit:AAP

So the Bombers had to put a time limit on the Western Bulldogs accepting their offer of picks 11 and 46 in return for Jake Stringer and pick 24 or they risked losing the 24-year-old Giant.

That limit expired on Thursday morning and Smith became a Bomber.