ZAC Smith has been presented with the AFL’s highest community honour this evening, with the Gold Coast ruckman awarded the second annual Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award for his outstanding service in the community.  

Presented for the first time in 2012, the award honours the former Melbourne Football Club President and 1991 Brownlow Medallist who passed away in March last year.

Smith, the SUNS’ Domestic Violence Awareness Ambassador and a passionate supporter for White Ribbon, claimed the honour ahead of fellow finalists Nick Maxwell (Collingwood) and All Australian ruckman Will Minson (Western Bulldogs).

It was the second year in a row the GC SUNS had a finalist for the award, with Jarrod Harbrow making the final cut last year for his tireless efforts in setting up the GC SUNS No Boundaries Program.

Nominations were sought from each AFL Club, before the selection panel chose the worthy final three finalists.

The 206cm gentle giant will receive $20,000 from the AFL, to be donated to the charity or community program of his choice.

GC SUNS Community Programs Manager – Corey Bell, told goldcoastfc.com.au Smith had been a proactive leader of the Gold Coast SUNS Horizon’s program, going above and beyond to support and deliver the program’s key messages to the community.

“Zac has been relentless with his work within the community, and has made a real difference over the past five seasons as a foundation player.”

“In addition to his ambassadorial role in the space of domestic violence, Zac has also been active in supporting the city’s youth through the One Punch Can Kill program.

“He has raised much-needed awareness, funds and support for all those charitable groups and is contribution to the community has significant.”