Midfielder George Horlin-Smith has taken his fitness to new heights this pre-season and says he is looking to repay the faith shown by a club who gave him a new three-year deal in 2015.

The 23-year-old suffered an injury-plagued, inconsistent twelve months but told Krock Football he was reminded he has a home at Simonds Stadium when the Cats asked for his signature once more.

“It’s certainly a big investment in a player,” Horlin-Smith said.

“Football clubs can be pretty ruthless places. It’s a ruthless industry.”

“It’s difficult to put a finger on exactly the reason why they might give you a one-year deal, a two-year deal or whatever it may be.”

“I owe the football club a lot, and I’ve got to make sure that three years is worthwhile.”

Horlin-Smith was never a main feature of the senior side through 2015 – limited to just seven games through form and injury. Specifically, a knee complaint kept him on the sidelines for more than a month.

The Cats coaching staff were open but steadfast in those areas where the young midfielder needed to improve and it’s that feedback which has driven him through the summer.

“I’m probably a little bit trimmer than what I have been in the past; less body fat, I guess,” he said.

“That was intentional, as part of my program.”

“But, that’s just to mirror the changes in the rotations. There’s going to be more time on the ground, so there’s no need to carry extra weight.”

Whilst the kilograms have gone down his aerobic capacity has increased – to the point where Horlin-Smith has elite runners Mark Blicavs and challenger Sam Menegola in his sights.

“We have a number of running tests, and that aerobic test probably suits me and my game a little bit than some other players,” Horlin-Smith said.

“We have a number of tests that I might not be near the top for them, but for that one in particular, I find that easier than some others.”

“That is important to me, particularly with the interchange cap, I’m going to be out on the ground for longer, so I’m going to need a bigger aerobic base and it’s something I’ll continue to build on.”