WHILE Patrick Dangerfield got all the plaudits for his stunning Geelong debut on Monday, triple Cats premiership player Paul Chapman reserved some special praise for ruckman Sun Zac Smith.

Smith was mightily influential in his first game in Geelong colours after playing five years with Gold Coast.

He kicked three first-half goals – two following brilliant forward-50 tackles – to highlight his 14 disposal, 16 hit-out first-up performance.

"I was probably just as impressed with Zac Smith," Chapman said on Melbourne radio RSN927.

"His tackles … I think he really set the scene for the whole match."

Chapman was not downplaying Dangerfield's role though, and was full of praise for the former Crow's 43-disposal debut.

"It was just the complete game," he said.

"He ran forward, looked dangerous, took some strong marks, probably should have kicked at least two goals.

"He's answered everybody's prayers until now.

"Let's not get too excited, it doesn't take one man."