Billie Smedts is doing all the right things to earn himself a spot at the top level.
 
Since returning from injury in round three of the VFL season, Smedts has shown continual improvement and looks on to be on the verge of a senior recall.
 
After easing his way back in to the VFL side, the past two games have seen Smedts at the top of his game and the 23-year-old played a key part in the Sunday’s victory over Frankston.
 
Smedts finished with 25 possessions, 10 marks and six inside 50s in a performance that VFL coach Shane O’Bree saw as a big factor in the Bankers’ third win of 2016.
 
“To get 25 possessions today in a tight contested game was pleasing for him,” O’Bree said.
 
“Billie is working away at certain areas of his game, his attitude has been pretty good and he has played multiple roles for us which he needs.”
 
Smedts spent time up forward and through the midfield at Frankston, and in previous weeks has played across half back, highlighting his versatility and ability to play a variety of roles.
 
“Having (versatility) is something the coaches see where I can help the side, just getting thrown round in different positions and helping the team where I can to get the win,” Smedts said after Sunday’s victory.
 
“Three or four games back now and I feel like each week I’ve gone in with a different focus on where I want to improve my game. I’m just building on my game to try and get back in the AFL side as quick as I can.”
 
Season 2016 loomed as a chance for the first round draft pick to finally have a prolonged stint at AFL level but that was halted when he was struck down by a shoulder injury during preseason training.
 
“It was frustrating having that shoulder reconstruction. I was having a decent preseason and then went down with injury day one after the Christmas break, which was pretty tough,” He said.
 
Smedts missed the first two rounds of the VFL season but following his return he has faced no setbacks and is shaping up to play his first game at AFL level since round 18 of last season.
 
“My shoulder is feeling really good now and I’m looking to just string some more games together and build on my form,” Smedts said.
 
“I can always keep improving on my game and that’s something that I am working on week to week.”
 
Watching the likes of George Horlin-Smith and Jed Bews be rewarded for excellent form at VFL level is motivation for Smedts to push his case to the coaches.
 
He has been amongst the Cats best for the past three weeks and has averaged 27 disposals throughout that period.
 
The VFL Cats have been without ball magnet Horlin-Smith for the past two games and Smedts, along with other AFL listed players Michael Luxford and Josh Cowan, have lifted their respective games with more responsibility in the midfield.
 
“Horlo is great player and he leads the boys well when he is here so we do miss him,” Smedts said.
 
“We take it on ourselves as leaders of this group and we try to get our hands on the ball as much as we can.”
 
With a wealth of VFL and AFL games under his belt, Smedts brings much needed experience to the young Bankers side and has shown his capabilities as a leader since his return, highlighted by being named as captain in the round six clash with Collingwood.
 
“Last week I was given the title as captain and that is something that I haven’t experienced before,” he said.
 
“That was my focus last week, being a good leader and helping the young boys out on the field as much as I could.”