A former junior, Smith last played with the Power in 2014.

The clever forward had a four-year stint with Moyhu in the Ovens and King league and one season with Wahgunyah in 2018 where he booted 65 goals.

Smith who resides in Wangaratta couldn't be happier with his decision to return.

"I wish I had come back a few years earlier to be honest," Smith said.

"I have seen how much CDHBU have been struggling a bit the last few years and being my home club it does hurt.

"When you get involved with a small club like Coreen, you soon realise what it means to the community and how passionate they are about the club.

"I missed the club and have got a lot of fond memories.

"There is something special brewing and we are getting 35 to 40 blokes at every training session."

IN OTHER NEWS

It's hard to argue that there is something special about the Power this season.

After finishing tenth in 2019 with a 4-14 record the merged identity has reeled off five consecutive wins to enjoy their best start since joining the competition in 2008.

Smith said the improvement had come mainly from the locals with co-coach John Pratt and Smith the Power's biggest signings since 2019.

"I get a real buzz from playing alongside blokes that I played juniors with like Nathan Rhodes," Smith said.

"I probably credit Nathan with delivering a large portion of my goals.

"Watching Andrew Phibbs, Tom Webb, Kane Mills come through the junior ranks and become regulars in the senior ranks is also satisfying to see.

"It is probably the strongest list the club has had for quite some time.

"I think our biggest strength is the evenness of our list and we don't rely on our top half-a-dozen players to win each week.

"You just have to look at the best players each week and there are different players every week."

Smith kicked nine goals last weekend against Culcairn and is equal leader in the league goalkicking with Ash Murray on 18.

Critics of the Power are quick to point out all their wins have come against sides not expected to make finals this season.

"We have copped a bit of criticism about who we have played," Smith said.

"But you still have to put the wins on the board which we have been able to do.

"We play Giants this week and get a chance to silence the critics if we are good enough."

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