RECRUIT Isaac Smith is looking forward to facing his former side when the Cats meet the Hawks in an Easter Monday blockbuster at the MCG in Round 3.
After a 210-game career at the Hawks which included three flags, Smith has quickly won over the Cats faithful after kicking the match winning goal in Geelong’s one-point win against the Lions.
The match against Brisbane was a physical affair and Smith is expecting the same against his old teammates on Monday.
“I am guessing it is going to be a pretty physical contest,” Smith said at Tuesday’s press conference at GMHBA Stadium.
“It will be interesting as I have never done it before in my career, so I am actually really looking forward to it to be honest.”
Known for his lip service, Smith’s former teammate, Hawthorn forward Luke Breust has started a war-of-words in the lead up to the blockbuster clash declaring the Hawks will aim to ‘clean him up’.
"Don't you worry, there will certainly be a few boys lining up to get him," Breust said.
"There will be a fair bit of banter on the field, and it will certainly be fun out there.
"I don't think there'll be any hugs or anything from us. At the end of the day, we're running out against what is now an opposition player.
"It can be all smiles and fun and games, but once you cross that line it's game on again.
"If he's in the road then I'm sure the boys will be pretty happy to clean him up.
"We'll see how it goes, but he's going to have his cheeky little grin out there and he'll certainly be throwing a bit our way, so it will be interesting."
Smith is hoping the expected lip service from the Hawks could help the Cats win where it matters, in the contest.
“I am not overly physical, have a look at me, but there will be a bit of lip out there, I am sure.
“I am sure it will be a good contest. They are usually close games and if they want to worry about that stuff then hopefully we end up getting the ball.”
