Zac Smith is confident he his best footy is in front of him, as he looks to cement himself in the Cats' line-up as the finals approach.

Saturday's blockbuster clash with Hawthorn will be Smith's 100th AFL game, and the 27-year-old is very proud to be reaching the milestone.

"It means a lot," the 206cm ruckman told Cats Media.

"Starting out as a soccer player, I was a late starter in Aussie Rules.

"I had to work really hard just to play one AFL game. I never thought I'd be playing 100 games of AFL footy.

"I'm really proud and excited."

Smith has played 11 AFL games this season and is averaging 14 disposals and 33 hit-outs per match.

"Geelong has been so good to me," Smith said.

"It's a really good club with really good people.

"They've done a great job of developing me into the player I wanted to be.

"But I think I've still got more improvement to go.

"I'm always learning, and hopefully the next few years will be really exciting."