EMERGING midfielder George Horlin-Smith has re-signed with Geelong for another two seasons, tying him to the Cats to the end of 2015.
Horlin-Smith was due to come out of contract at the end of this season, but AFL.com.au understands the Cats have moved early to lock him away.
After getting a small taste of AFL football in 2012, Horlin-Smith, 20, played six of the Cats' first eight games this season but has since been sidelined with a corked thigh.
His best game came in round four against the Sydney Swans, when his outstanding performance on Swans midfield star Josh Kennedy earned him that round's NAB AFL Rising Star award nomination.
Horlin-Smith did not allow Kennedy to have anywhere near his usual influence around the stoppages in the Cats' 21-point win, while racking up 23 disposals of his own, including 15 contested possessions, seven clearances and a goal.
The 20-year-old told AFL.com.au afterwards working with Geelong's senior midfielders had helped fast-track his development.
"I think help from senior players like Joel Corey and Jimmy Bartel over the pre-season has really helped me develop my game," Horlin-Smith said.
"When you train against them, they teach you little tricks and they're always willing to give you advice on how to use your body in the contest."
A talented junior batsman who captained an under-16 Australian team on a tour of the West Indies, Horlin-Smith said he had no regrets he had made the "tough decision" to chose football over cricket.
Geelong picked Horlin-Smith at pick No.37 in the 2010 NAB AFL Draft.
A shoulder injury disrupted his first season at Simonds Stadium, but he made his AFL debut in round three last year, against North Melbourne, and played three games for the season.
When he returned to the VFL, Horlin-Smith dominated, finishing fifth in the competition's highest individual award, the Liston Trophy, and playing a key role in the Geelong's VFL premiership team.
Geelong coach Chris Scott said after round four Horlin-Smith had worked hard to break into the Cats' team.
"George has done well at every opportunity," Scott said.
"He can play a number of roles and reads the game verywell."
Geelong physio Mike Snelling told CatsTV this week Horlin-Smith was a chance to return from his corked thigh this round or next.
Nick Bowen is a reporter with AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
