Scott praises Gold Coast coaching staff

Geelong coach Chris Scott has praised the Gold Coast for the work they have done in the development of new Cats' ruckman Zac Smith.

Smith requested a trade to Geelong last year after 65 games in five seasons at the Suns.

After a promising start to his career, injuries and form kept him out of the senior side at the Gold Coast in the past two season, paving the way for a fresh start.

"We were really keen to boost our depth in there, but we rate Zac a lot better than just a depth player," Scott said on 3AW.

"I think the Gold Coast system has been maligned over the last couple of years but we haven't turned Zac around in a couple of months at our footy club.

"Clearly Gold Coast have done some good work with him in the last couple of years because he is going well.

"There are no guarantees for Zac and he knows he's not a walk-up start in our best 22, but the early indications are really positive."