Betts kicked four goals on Smith at the SCG, and while it was tough lesson for the 23-year-old, he was determined to redeem himself when the sides met seven weeks later.
"I don't think I played as well as I could of that night," Smith told afl.com.au
"Going away from that I knew my game wasn't up to scratch so if I could get back to my foundations the week after.
"I was looking forward to this game to resurrect what happened last time and atone for it."
And on Sunday he did just that.
For just the second time this season, the ever-dangerous Betts was kept goalless.
It was a disappointing performance from the Swans but Smith was outstanding in nullifying Betts' influence, limiting the Blue to 12 possessions and just the two behinds.
"My concentration lacked a little bit last time I think and I just wasn't switched on for the full four-quarters. But today I was more switched on for the whole game," Smith said.
Betts has burned many opponents with his brilliant pace and quick hands but on Sunday he was no match for Smith, who outplayed the forward at almost every turn.
"He's a really good player. He can get the ball on the lead, he can get the ball crumbing, and can get the ball around stoppages," Smith said.
"You certainly rely on other blokes in the side helping you a bit, at stoppages, but I think your positioning and starting points are crucial [to combat his speed]."
After Betts' four-goal haul in round six, Swans coach John Longmire had every confidence that the determination of Smith would see the defender redeem himself.
"Knowing the personality of your players you back a player like Nick Smith in to rebound from that performance and I didn't have to say anything [to him]," Longmire said.
"He was bitterly disappointed after the last time we played them and he's a quality kid, and he was always going to get going again. I thought he was pretty good."
Since being elevated from the Swans' rookie list in 2008, the Melbourne-born Smith has improved in leaps and bounds.
He showed promise as a defender in his 16 games last year and has continued his development, focusing now on the offensive aspect of this game in order to become a more complete player.
"I think I've definitely improved each year both on my defensive side. I think I'm getting better at my attacking side as well but still got to find that good balance."
Smith is already a key component in the Swans' back six but if he can find the perfect balance in his game, he is sure to be a very, very good player for the bloods in years to come.
