Zac Smith believes his best is good enough to be one of the top ruckman in the AFL.

Smith, who missed a month of footy around the bye due to a back issue, had his most prolific game in 2018, winning 45 hitouts to go with 21 disposals and two goals in the VFL’s 27-point win over Sandringham.

Despite missing an extended period and the improved form of current first choice ruck Rhys Stanley, Smith is confident he can be Geelong’s first choice ruckman.

“I still believe that my best is good enough to be our best ruckman and be in the top (few) in the league as well,” said Smith to the Geelong Advertiser.

“One of my strengths is my agility for a big guy and unfortunately it (the back injury) has hindered that a little bit this year, but it’s something I think I’m slowly getting back.”

“I’m just building, and I’ve just got to keep putting these performances together.”

In his second game back Smith says he is learning to cope with ongoing back niggles.

“I missed probably four or five weeks, across that bye period I had a sore back, but it’s all about building continuity – every training session, every game – and build confidence from that,” Smith added.

The VFL Cats take on Casey in a must win clash on Saturday at GMHBA Stadium in a curtain raiser to the Geelong v Melbourne AFL game, where Smith is a chance to return to help curb the influence of All-Australian Max Gawn.