"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."
With nine goals to Thomas' in his first two games, he is undoubtedly one of the form small forwards in the competition.
"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," Smith added.
Despite two close losses to Collingwood and Geelong, Smith is wary of the challenge North will provide at Blundstone Arena.
"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."
Sydney's midfield boasts the likes of Jarrad McVeigh, Daniel Hannebery, Jude Bolton and Luke Parker, making it one of the best in the competition.
Against a North side which has Andrew Swallow in arguably career best form, Jack Ziebell, Daniel Wells and Ben Cunnington, the battle in the centre will most likely be the deciding factor.
"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."
