Cats ruckman Zac Smith is looking forward to taking on in-form Essendon big man Matthew Leuenberger at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Leuenberger has had the edge over Smith in their previous meetings, and given Leuenberger had 53 hit-outs in the Bombers' loss to Adelaide last weekend, Smith knows he'll be in for a torrid battle this time around.

"He's a really quality ruckman, there's no doubt about that," Smith said during a press conference at Simonds Stadium on Thursday.

"I've just got to bring what I've been bringing all season, which is my intensity around the contest.

"I think I can definitely beat him if I bring those things."

Smith is also "really excited" about the prospect of playing alongside his great mate Scott Selwood in the coming weeks.

"I'm really close with 'Scoot'," he said.

"He's worked really hard, and it's been good to see him back in the VFL and playing quality footy.

"When he does get a chance, I'll be stoked to play with him."