Billie Smedts is a determined footballer in 2015.

The young man from Warrnambool, who has been on the Cats list for five years now, is still working hard to improve himself every week.

Smedts is keen to move on from the injuries that have plagued his short career so far and get back to playing his best footy.

The 23-year-old boosted his chances of a senior recall after a strong performance in the VFL on Sunday, finishing the match with a game-high 27 disposals, six marks, four clearances and five inside 50s.

Despite his own solid performance, the modest Smedts was disappointed with the final result, as the Cats went down to Footscray by 26 points.

“Obviously very disappointed with the loss. We thought we were in the game at quarter time and our second quarter we had a lapse,” Smedts said after the match.

“A better team effort than last time the boys played (Footscray) but overall a disappointing loss.”

Smedts also finished the match with five tackles, an element of his game which has improved in 2015. Whilst being a damaging attacking player, an increase in defensive intensity has seen Smedts become a more rounded footballer.

“(I would) rather have the ball than let them have it, but if I can’t get my hands on it first, I try and put the pressure on them and lay some tackles,” Smedts said.

But it isn’t just his defensive pressure he wants to improve, Smedts is striving to improve every aspect of his game to show the coaches the he is willing to work hard and develop into a more versatile footballer.

“I’m just working on all areas of my game, obviously spent a little bit of time down back and in my first couple of years, spent a bit of time forward.

“We are just trying to work on my game as a midfielder at the moment as well and I’m asking questions and doing the work, trying to get better with all areas of my game,” Smedts said.

In working closely with the coaches, Smedts has developed a strong relationship with coach and former teammate Matthew Scarlett on and off the field.

“I had a good relationship with (Scarlett) when he played at the club, I played a handful of games with him and him joining the Cats this year has been great for me,” Smedts said.

“I’ve got a really good relationship with him, not just on the field but away from the club, I come in here on my days off and I spend an hour with him, we go for a walk, we talk footy, we talk life away from footy.

“He doesn’t beat around the bush, he’s one of the most honest blokes I’ve ever met. I want to have his respect so he tells me what I’m doing well and what I’m not doing so well and we work on it together.”

Whilst Smedts is edging closer to an AFL recall, it hasn’t been an easy path for the 2010 draftee. With numerous injuries, most recently a broken collarbone, Smedts has faced extended stints on the sidelines since debuting in 2012.

“I’m just trying to build some continuity in my game. Over the last two years I’ve had a broken collarbone and a broken leg but I’m just trying to build on my game and get better each week,” he said.

“It wasn’t just going to happen overnight, I think I’ve gotten better each week and I’m just enjoying playing consistent game time.”

The injury-prone running defender has now fully recovered from the recent setback and is feeling fit whilst growing in confidence each week.

 “Spending a lot of time out of the game, I’m just trying to pick up what I’ve missed.”