Devon Smith is eyeing a return to his best in 2020

AFTER a horror 2019 ruined by injury, Essendon midfielder Devon Smith is targeting a round one return.

Smith managed just seven games before suffering a season-ending knee injury in round eight against Sydney.

PLAY AFL FANTASY Click here to pre-register and receive our early announcements

It was a huge turnaround in fortune for the hard-tackling midfielder, who claimed the Bombers' club champion award in 2018, but a successful recovery from surgery has him primed to recapture his best form.

>> Check out latest pics below from the Bombers' Coffs Harbour training camp

"Yeah, I'll be good to go from day one," Smith said of his 2020 prospects.

"I've completed all the sessions and I've got my eyes on round one.

"This is probably the most of a pre-season I've completed since 2016, so I'm actually feeling pretty good."

Dylan Shiel in action during the Bombers' training session in Coffs Harbour on Monday. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Smith was in the thick of the action at Essendon's training session in Coffs Harbour on Monday, and he could see the benefit of having so many star players, including key forward Joe Daniher, sidelined throughout last year.

PRICE REVEAL Bombers' Fantasy bargains, draft sleeper, more

"It's never fun, and I'm not someone who likes watching football especially at the time when we weren't going too well," Smith said.

"There are obviously injuries in our game, it's just the reality, there's 40-odd on a list and you need troops to step up.

"We got games into guys last year who can hopefully come on in leaps and bounds (and we can also) get those important players back out and playing good football."

David Zaharakis fires off a handball during the Bombers' training session in Coffs Harbour on Monday. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Jake Stringer in action during the Bombers' training session in Coffs Harbour on Monday. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Essendon captain Dyson Heppell keeps his eye on the ball during a drill. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Michael Hurley signs autographs for fans in Coffs Harbour. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Essendon recruit Tom Cutler at a gym session during the Bombers' Coffs Harbour training camp. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Mason Redman in action during a weights session at Essendon's Coffs Harbour training camp. Picture: Getty Images/AFL Photos

Listen to the AFL Fantasy Podcast with The Traders at Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts.