GEELONG utility Billie Smedts’ injury-riddled AFL career has endured another setback.
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The North Warrnambool Eagles export will miss two months with a broken collarbone, sustained in the VFL on Saturday.
Injuries and form have limited Smedts to 35 games since he landed at Kardinia Park via pick 15 in the 2010 national draft.
Hip surgery wiped out his first season at Geelong but he rattled together 14 games in 2012 and 13 in 2013.
A broken leg delayed Smedts’ start last season and he only managed six matches in a frustrating year.
Smedts, 22, played in the Cats’ opening two matches of the 2015 campaign, losses to reigning premier Hawthorn and Fremantle.
He was reported for striking Docker Lee Spurr and suspended for a week.
Smedts was an emergency for round four before lining up at VFL level against Richmond at Punt Road on Saturday.
Geelong football manager Steve Hocking said Smedts’ setback was disappointing for both player and club.
“The good thing is Billie doesn’t require surgery,” he told AFL.com.au
“He’s had a good pre-season, but this stuff happens and he’ll work his way through it.”
Geelong, having lost three of its first five games, is contending with a heavy injury toll.
Smedts joins Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel (knee), veteran James Kelly (ruptured testicle), ruckman Hamish McIntosh (calf), defender Andrew Mackie (quad) and midfielder Mathew Stokes (Achilles) on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Hawthorn onballer Jordan Lewis has accepted a two-match ban for striking North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein.
The Warrnambool export will miss matches against Greater Western Sydney and Melbourne.