Smethurst was cut while trying out for Timboon’s under 15 reserves almost a decade ago, moving to ply her trade at Simpson.

It was just the medicine for the now 22-year-old, whose return to Timboon “three or four years ago” has yielded greater opportunities than her first stint in red and blue.

Smethurst has stamped herself as one of the Warrnambool and District league’s most electric wing defences and is leading Timboon Demons’ undefeated run.

Her story is one of persistence.

“I had friends back at Timboon when I was playing at Simpson and they convinced me to come back,” she said.

“I hadn’t played much competition netball up until then so the time at Simpson really helped me.

“I didn’t think I was good enough to play top grade and I played in A Reserve but (then coach Hayley Plozza) told me she wanted me to step up.

“It’s a lot faster and smoother and that suits my style of play a little more. It’s faster and more flowy.”

Smethurst said natural progression was behind Timboon Demons’ rise.

“We haven’t changed much this season, we’re just really understanding each other’s roles and how we’re playing,” she said.

“We’ve lost (coach) Kelly (Gowland) in the midcourt, but we’ve picked up Mellissa McKenzie. She’s a fast player and the perfect replacement.

“Mel was playing a couple of years ago so she’s just slipped in perfectly for us. We’ve really continued on from last year and haven’t missed a beat.”

Smethurst’s Demons have been near-faultless to start the season. 

But the swift midcourter said a fixture with Nirranda – the benchmark side leading the competition – would reveal where her side was at.

“I think we’ll really see how we’re going,” she said.