THIS time last year, Sydney Swans defender Nick Smith was recovering from a spell in hospital with an inner ear infection.

Struggling with dizziness, the ailment forced him to miss two AFL games, including the round four match-up with North Melbourne, which he watched sitting in the stands at the SCG.

While it was frustrating, an incident would occur in that match that quickly put a short stay in hospital in perspective for the young Swan.

Gary Rohan is still yet to return to the playing arena following the compound fracture of his tibia he suffered that day, although he is making good progress and aims to return to the field later this year.

Rohan's freak collision with Kangaroo Lindsay Thomas, which has stalled such a promising career, occurred on April 22, 2012.

"When something like that happens, you realise some things aren't as bad as others," Smith told AFL.com.au.

"I went down to the rooms that day with 'Gazza' and it was pretty sad to see that.

"But he's going really well at the moment and he's actually not too far away from training with the boys and having a game.

"It puts things in perspective, that's for sure."

Smith is likely to come face-to-face with Thomas when the two sides meet again at Hobart's Blundstone Arena on Saturday afternoon.

A no-fuss footballer, Smith is an integral part of the Swans' backline and regularly gets the job on the competition's best small forwards.

Last week he helped keep Gold Coast superstar Gary Ablett goalless and against North he is sure to spend time on Thomas, who kicked five goals against Geelong last time out to lead the Coleman Medal race.

Previously beset by goalkicking demons, Thomas has ironed out his issues, kicking 9.2 so far this year, and he will be critical to the Kangaroos' hopes of picking up their first win of the season.

"I've played on him a couple of times, a couple of practice matches too," Smith said.

"I find all the small forwards a little bit different.

"They've all got a couple of strings to their bow in terms of how they get the footy and what makes them good players.

"They're all good players for different reasons and there's no question he's one of them.

"I haven't seen a lot of vision yet, but if he's fixing (his goalkicking) up, he's going to be an even better player."

A member of the leadership group the past two seasons, Smith feels the undefeated Swans are travelling reasonably well, but will need to lift another cog in Hobart.

And he believes the key will be getting on top of North's slick midfield.

"We've been building and playing some OK footy, but we're going to have to improve again," he said.

"North are up and going at the moment. I know they've had two losses, but they've been pretty tight and against good sides.

"They've got some real speed in the midfield. As always, if your midfield is on top, it makes the job for the rest of the team a lot easier.

"It gives forwards chances and defenders aren't under the pump as much.

"We're definitely in for a contest this week."