Billie Smedts reminisces about the 2010 national draft where he was ultimately taken with the Cats’ first pick at number 15.

Although, Smedts left the draft camp in Canberra a few weeks earlier disappointed that the Cats didn’t speak to him, then within a week Cats’ recruiter Stephen Wells has called to arrange a meeting.

“It was very exciting but nerve wracking as well because I wanted to impress them because they were the closest to home and I’d always wanted to play for the Cats.

“I always wanted to play for a Victorian club but never really thought Geelong because it just would have been too perfect.

Smedts admitted the week leading up to the draft was one of the longest of his life.

After trying to shake the nerves with a round of golf and a pub meal, Smedts watched the draft unfold surrounded by family and friends.

“I remember sitting down and they went through the first 13 picks and I knew Adelaide were pretty keen at 14 but they ended up missing me.

“Come pick 15 Stephen Wells read my name out.

“My brothers and family were all happier than I was; they surrounded me and jumped on me.”

“When they read my name out it was just surreal, it was a moment I’ll never forget.”

After being drafted alongside Cameron Guthire, George Horlin-Smith and Jordan Schroder, Smedts has played 27 games since his debut in 2012.

“It’s a great team and while the senior boys are here I’m just trying to learn as much as I can off them.”