Carlton has added flexibility to its list with the arrival of former Cat Billie Smedts.
An agile midfielder with footy smarts, Smedts will add depth and experience to the Blues’ line-up in 2017.
After being recruited to Geelong with its first-round pick in 2010 (15), the versatile midfielder made his AFL debut in Round 1, 2012 against Fremantle.
The 24-year-old played 14 games in his debut season, with an impressive performance in Round 14 against Port Adelaide. Smedts gathered 20 disposals, including nine contested possessions, five inside 50s and even hit the scoreboard with a goal.
Watch Billie Smedts' highlights
Since his first senior appearance the 24-year-old has played 38 AFL games, with injury stalling his progress over the last few seasons.
He said it:
“When I was a kid I lived 200 metres away from the North Warrnambool oval…ever since I could walk I probably had a football in my hand.”
– Smedts talks about his love of footy ahead of the 2010 national draft.
They said it:
"Billie is a natural footballer…he has got tremendous versatility and he tested really well."
– Cats recruiting manager Stephen Wells spoke about his No.15 selection after the 2010 national draft.
2010 draft combine:
At the 2010 draft combine, Smedts was the only player to crack eight seconds in the agility run. He also ranked in the top 10 in the 20m sprint (2.91 seconds), standing vertical jump (63cm) and kicking assessment (64 per cent efficiency).
Billie Smedts’ bio:
Age: 24
Height: 190cm
Weight: 83kg
Recruited from: Geelong U18/Geelong Cats
Draft history: Selected at pick No. 15 by Geelong in the 2010 national draft
AFL debut (Geelong): Round 1, 2012 v Fremantle
Position: Versatile midfielder
AFL games: 38
AFL goals: 19
