Billie Smedts will play his first game for the season when he lines up in the VFL Cats' clash with North Ballarat at Eureka Stadium on Friday night.

The 23-year-old has fought back strongly after suffering a serious shoulder injury during a pre-season training session in early January.

"Billie's been cleared to play this weekend." Cats physio Mark Young said on the round five episode of nib Medical Room.

"[It's been] a frustrating period for him. He's had to work through a number of levels and tasks we've set him with that shoulder injury.

"He's been fantastic the way he's applied himself to his rehab and looking forward to seeing him back."

Young also confirmed that Josh Cowan missed last weekend's VFL match against the Northern Blues due to hamstring tightness.