Exciting Gold Coast SUNS ruck prospect Zac Smith has signed on with the club for a further two years.

Already contracted for the 2011 AFL season, a new extended deal will see the highly regarded Smith in GC SUNS colours until at least the end of the 2013 season.

It’s a bold move by the club, but given Smith’s impressive 2010 season it’s every chance of proving an inspired one.

Smith was outstanding this year. His ruckwork was first class and his agility and mobility were a revelation, especially given his imposing 205cm frame.

And his year-long form certainly didn’t escape unnoticed by representative selectors. Not only was he named in the ruck in the 2010 VFL team of the Year, he was the only VFL-level player selected alongside the likes of Nick Riewoldt and Jarrod Harbrow in the Courier Mail 2010 Queensland Team of the Year.

It’s hard to believe Smith has only played AFL for five years, a point not lost on GC SUNS Football Manager Marcus Ashcroft.

"He played soccer first so when you look at that it makes it even more incredible. Now he is at a level now where he is going to be playing AFL in a few months time. He has been with us for two years and we just think with what he has shown physically and mentally that he will be a part of the club for a long time."

Speaking after a tough Wednesday morning training session, Smith, known as one of the hardest workers at the club, said he was delighted at how things were panning out.

“I’m really proud of myself,” he said. “I got the Most Professional Award for a couple of years and I do pride myself on doing all the extra little things you need to do, so I guess it is a reward for effort.”

Along with fellow Queenslanders Charlie Dixon and Jack Stanlake – both of whom remain on the club’s 2011 AFL playing list – Smith was one of the first players to join the club.

“I was one the original local guys to be signed up back in 2008 so to have seen everything that’s gone on has been an amazing run.”

He said he was doing all he could to be there for the GC SUNS debut AFL clash against Carlton next April.

“I obviously want to be there in Round 2 next year for our first game but there’s still a fair bit to be done before then. I just try to stay on top of my body and get all the little things right, the ice baths and the rehab and the monitoring. They’re the things that get you there in the end.”

Although still only 20, Smith said the recent influx of National Draftees meant he was now one of the more experienced heads in the playing group.

“I’m now one of the older guys believe it or not I try to lead by example. I really work on that part of my game, my leadership, just by trying to be approachable and having a voice around the place.”

After an arduous early pre-season training schedule, he was now looking forward to a few weeks off at Christmas to recharge his batteries.

“I’ll be heading back to Rocky for a few days. So I’ll have Chrissie up there to see the family and catch up with a few mates. After that I’m going to spend a bit of time in Brissie. I’ve got a Kingswood that needs a bit of work and I never get the chance to look at it. It’ll be great to finally give it a bit of attention.”