Geelong midfielder Billie Smedts will make his return to football via the VFL this weekend, having recovered from a broken leg which threatened to completely derail his season.

Cats head physio Mark Young has confirmed the 24-year-old will line up for the VFL Cats against Casey Scorpions on Sunday at Simonds Stadium.

“He’s had a number of weeks out [with] an unfortunate break of his leg earlier in the year,” Young said of Smedts in this week’s episode of nib Medical Room.

“He’s trained really hard and he’ll now come back into the VFL team this weekend. He’s ready to go.”

Zac Bates will also play his first game for some time with a quad injury now behind him and a consistent training block completed.

At AFL level, the Cats were without exciting forwards Daniel Menzel (groin) and Nakia Cockatoo (knee) for their come from behind win over Richmond in round 21 – however both remain a chance to play this week.

“Both of those players have been downloaded to allow their niggles to settle,” Young said.

“They’ll both train this week and be a test later this weekend.”

To watch the full episode of nib Medical Room, click the video player above.