WHEN he was looking for a new home in 2016, Geelong recruit Zac Smith had a perfect real estate agent.

His name was Gary Ablett.

The former Cat and close friend of Smith become a key adviser when the ruckman was deciding where to move to in the trade period.

He eventually decided to head down to the Cattery — although Ablett wasn’t exactly thrilled that Smith took his advice.

“He was pretty devastated that I was leaving, we’re pretty close mates,” Smith said.

“He said it’s just a brilliant club, and you’ll find that out once you get down there. I knew once he said that it was a pretty good decision.”

media_camera Geelong ruckman Zac Smith credits Gary Ablett for his move to the Cattery.

Now entering his sixth year in the AFL, Smith has played 65 games but just 29 over the past three seasons.

But in that time he has made real improvements in his ruck work, with Champion Data rating him “above average” in contests won and hit-outs-to-advantage.

“I’ve had my difficulties over my five years in the AFL,” Smith admits.

“Ups and downs with form and then two pretty serious injuries as well.”

Smith is a true breakout contender, continuing the trend at the Cattery of chances being taken on injury-prone ruckmen.

But that just means Smith has plenty of competition heading into the 2016 season with Rhys Stanley, Mark Blicavs and Nathan Vardy all contenders to take some of the ruck work.

media_camera Zac Smith alongside fellow Geelong recruit Patrick Dangerfield and young Cat Nakia Cockatoo.

“It’s healthy and there has been (competition) over the pre-season,” Smith said.

“We’re all fit and healthy and that’s what you want. And for me to improve and those guys to improve, you need guys fighting against each other.”

That route to improvement is exactly what Smith was searching for in a new home.

“It’s probably the best decision I’ve made so far (in my career),” the ruckman said of his move to Geelong.

“I haven’t really proved anything yet ... so for me and my development and my growth, it’s the best step I could’ve taken.”

Smith will look to have his first outing in the blue and white hoops on February 26 when Geelong play their first NAB Challenge match against Collingwood at Simonds Stadium.

Originally published as The Gaz advice that saw Smith head south