Zac Smith stands tall against the Demons
Just weeks after pleading for another chance giant Gold Coast SUNS Ruck-man Zac Smith took his game to another level today as the SUNS demolished the Demons by 10 goals during their Round 7 match at the MCG.
In the absence of the injured Charlie Dixon, Smith once again stood tall for the Gold Coasters, finishing the game with 18 disposals and three Goals as the visitors recorded their biggest winning margin since their introduction to the national competition.
"It was a really pleasing team performance, from the entire team tonight and I was just pleased to be play my part in a pretty good performance, especially in the absence of Charlie Dixon who has been doing such a good job for us."
The versatile big-man was at the forefront of the SUNS memorable victory, showing the form which saw him rocket to prominence in his first season of AFL, a year which saw the former soccer player represent Australia in the International Rules series held in the Gold Coast.
And like many of his GoldCoast team mates, Smith was already starting to focus on the teams next assignment just moments after the GCSUNS song had rung out through the MCG sound system and then again in the change rooms.
"It's another massive test for us on Saturday back in the Gold Coast and we are all aware that we will need to be better that we were tonight in many areas if we are to record back to back wins at Metricon Stadium."
"We are certainly excited by the challenge though and with another strong week of preparation we will once again put ourselves in a good position to get another positive result." Smith said.
Senior coach Guy McKenna also had plenty of praise praised Smith post match but moved quickly to relieve any perceived pressure on the 23 year old.
“He had a great game and we do have to be mindful of that, he has now played 3 games single-handedly without Charlie Dixon and we did have to have Tommy Lynch punch in the ruck to help,” said McKenna.
“We have to be mindful of a young ruckman doing too much too often, you can get away with that with your Jolly’s and your Mumford’s but we have to look after him.
“But his last month has been terrific.”