AFTER an outstanding performance against Greater Western Sydney, Geelong ruckman Zac Smith has set a standard he wants to uphold on a consistent basis.

Described by coach Chris Scott as the dominant big player on the ground, he gave the Cats a presence around the stoppages.

He finished with 19 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 clearances, one goal and 31 hit-outs to gain the points over Giant Shane Mumford.

"I've got to take confidence from that and bring that every single week," Smith said.

"That is what the team expects now."

With Rhys Stanley missing, Smith knew he had to take on the responsibility solo.

He wanted to back himself and try to beat Mumford at ground level, scrambling for loose balls on the wet deck.

The intriguing battle became a contrast in styles with the mobile, high-leaping Smith against the physical, sometimes intimidating Mumford.

"He [Mumford] is a big boy so you just have to back your strengths against his and try to match his strengths as well," Smith said.

Scott said Smith clearly won his position and was a big factor in the Cats eventually prevailing.

Despite the coach underplaying the significance of the victory post-game, Smith was under no illusions as to the magnitude of the victory.

"We really needed to respond from the last couple of weeks and I thought we did that tonight," Smith said. "It was a pretty special win."