PATRICK Dangerfield's arrival at Geelong is not the only reason the Cats' midfielders seem to be improving, says man of the moment Cam Guthrie.
After a best on ground performance against Adelaide on Friday night, the 23-year-old said the value of ruckman Zac Smith should be recognised.
Smith's arrival from the Gold Coast to work in tandem with Rhys Stanley has been critical to the Cats' turning around their clearance numbers.
"Don't underestimate the value of Zac Smith palming the ball down to us, and Rhys is really helping with that as well," Guthrie said.
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Against the Crows, Guthrie delivered with a career-high 36 disposals, won eight clearances and widened his net of admirers beyond Geelong supporters who already knew his capability.
"A lot of players are doing their part in there and I guess it was my turn on Friday night," Guthrie said.
Guthrie still sees himself as a second-tier midfielder trying to support his higher profile teammates, even though Sydney Swans premiership player Dan Hannebery said on Sunday the young Cat was now elite.
However the man who assumed the famous No.29 when he arrived at Geelong in 2011 keeps things simple.
He understands he is no overnight success, with hard work being the bedrock of his game to the point where training was a key part of a European jaunt he took between seasons.
[I've] been in the system for six years now," Guthrie said.
"It's nothing overnight, but I just think gradually working on my game over that period of time has set me up hopefully for a good year."
Not a great runner when he began, he gradually built an aerobic base and he will play in defence or in the midfield as the situation demands.
Guthrie also knows the effect his more celebrated teammates are having on his game, and Scott's message to the emerging midfield about the impact of Dangerfield's arrival is coming true before his eyes.
"He will help us become better players, and that is the way it has gone down at the moment," Guthrie said.
If more attention comes Guthrie's way because of his form, so be it. His team-first ethos is part of who he is as a player.
"It doesn't really bother me how I am perceived. I guess if extra attention might be going to me that might mean Steven Motlop or Josh Caddy might have a good game," Guthrie said.
"I'm definitely conscious of being a good team player, and if that helps us going over the line in any given week that is OK with me."
This week the Cats take on Collingwood, having spoken about the pasting they got the previous season from the Magpies when finals were on the line.
The less celebrated ruckmen will again need to do their job to help the Cats' midfielders win clearances, and Guthrie for one will be thanking them if they do.
"[We're] very wary of the challenge," Guthrie said.
