Smedts, the number 15 pick in the 2010 national draft, will ply his trade at Kardinia Park until at least the end of 2017.

The utility, who has been struck down with a broken leg and broken collarbone during his time at the club, said he was “over the moon” with the deal.

“It’s been a very difficult journey for me, it’s been an absolute rollercoaster my first couple of years here,” he told Cats TV.

“I’ve experienced the highs and lows of AFL footy. I’m just grateful to be staying around for another two years.”

Smedts, 23, said he hoped the new contract would also come with a slice of luck regarding his body. He has 37 matches to his name, but just 10 in the past two seasons.

“I’m wishing for some luck. I’ve had a number of injuries which have put me out for a long period of time,” he said.

“I’ve got up and going at stages and been struck down with injury again. It’s been a really frustrating couple of years.

“I came in here with high expectations for myself. I haven’t been able to meet them yet. I’m looking forward to the next couple of years repaying the faith the football club has shown me.”

Smedts hoped his versatility would mean he became a valuable asset for Cats coach Chris Scott. He has played both forward and back during his four seasons, something he believed would “help my game in the long run”.

“I started off down forward, went back (but) couldn’t get many games together down back because I had a broken leg and a broken collarbone,” he said.

“I came off some decent pre-seasons but getting struck down with injury, you lose all that pre-season fitness.

“Coming in towards the end of the year when guys are up and going, you’re just starting again. It’s really hard to find your feet and find form.

“It’s something I’ve struggled with the last couple of years. Mentally it’s been really tough. I’ve played some football in the last couple of years that has been nowhere near the level I want to play.

“But the coaching staff have backed me in to do it, the people in the football club, they’ve shown me a lot of faith. I’m looking forward to working hard the next couple of years and showing the fans and supporters that I can play football.”