ESSENDON star Devon Smith has been fined by the match review officer Michael Christian after an attempted strike.

The Bombers midfielder has been the standout recruit in the competition, since joining the club in the off-season — but was fined after an attempted strike narrowly avoided making contact with Richmond’s Kamdyn McIntosh.

Smith’s attempted strike comes just a fortnight after West Coast Eagles midfielder Andrew Gaff was suspended by the AFL tribunal for eight weeks for punching Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw.

WATCH THE INCIDENT IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

Smith can accept a $1500 sanction with an early plea, charged for an attempted strike.

Herald Sun sports reporter Jon Ralph told Fox Footy that the strike would be unlikely to incur a suspension.

“Thank goodness for a swing and a miss,” Ralph said.

“This could’ve been so nasty.”

Devon Smith was close to making contact with Kamdyn McIntosh's jaw.

Smith has played every game for the Bombers in 2018, averaging 21.4 disposals and 8.4 tackles.

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