The footy world is set to see just how good Dylan Shiel really is.
That is the sentiment of Essendon teammate Devon Smith, who has described his former GWS colleague as a “serious talent”.
Shiel, 25, joined the Bombers from the Giants last trade period - an acquisition that has those associated with the red and black buzzing ahead of the 2019 season.
Speaking on SEN’s Whateley, reigning Best and Fairest Smith explained how he has assisted his fellow Victorian acclimatise to life back in Melbourne.
“I think I’ve helped Dyl along the way,” said Smith.
“He sent me a message the other day saying thanks for all my help. Everything I sent through (about) the process of how the football club works has been true.
“It’s like if someone is trying to sell you a car, you don’t know if there’s something wrong with the car, so it was nice to hear that.”
And then the superlatives flowed for the 2017 All-Australian.
“I think the footy world will see actually how good Dylan Shiel is,” Smith added.
“He was on par with the best junior I saw. I still don’t think he’s hit his peak even though he’s an All-Australian already.
“He’s a serious talent.
“It’s good (to be back with him). I don’t have to chase him around.
“It’s just nice knowing that I know where he runs and he knows where I run. Playing 10 years of junior and senior footy (with him) is a treat.”
As for leaving an expansion club for one of Melbourne’s most popular, Smith concedes it has been an eye-opener for Shiel but is supremely confident the hard-running midfielder will flourish in the new environment.
“There’s a lot more expectation and you’ve got to embrace that,” he said of playing at a club like Essendon.
“Essendon as a football club gets polarised whether its negative or positive. (Some things) a little bit over the top.
“Dyl said, ‘Is there always a thousand people at training?’
“Every Friday when you go to your car you have to sign this and that. He’s just blown away by the interest in football in Melbourne.
“That’s something I think he’ll thrive on.”
Shiel will step out for the first time in Essendon colours in Thursday night's JLT Community Series clash with Carlton.
