By Luke Holmesby

The phrase "Gold Coast veteran" might seem a contradiction in terms.

But Zac Smith has fair claim to it.

Smith was one of the six original players signed to the embryonic GC17 club back in 2008.

Three years later, he is not only still on the list but he has consolidated himself as the club's no. 1 ruckman.

Smith has been one of the GC SUNS best players in their first season in the AFL and was rewarded as the NAB AFL Rising Star nominee for round seven.

The towering ruckman had 22 possessions and 17 hitouts in Saturday's historic win over the Brisbane Lions.

Smith says he is proud to see the club grow so quickly in the space of three years.

"There's still some elements of what there was in the early days. Bluey (coach Guy McKenna) was there and we didn't have many staff. It's grown into a massive club now," Smith told afl.com.au.

"We've moved venues, they have knocked down the stadium and it's come a long way but we're still going forward."

Smith takes particular pride in playing for the AFL's second Queensland team, as he hails from Zillmere, north of Brisbane.

"When we first started we were all Queenslanders back in 2008. But they've rearranged the list and I think there's only about 12 Queenslanders left on the list. We're pretty tight and I'm very proud to represent Queensland," he said.

Smith has become close with fellow Zillmere product and foundation Gold Coast SUNS player Joey Daye with whom he shares a house.

His other two housemates, Gary and Nathan Ablett have also helped him adjust to life as an AFL player.

The 21-year-old says his captain has been a guiding light for him.

"Just how he goes about his footy and his professionalism is so first-class. The other day we got home from the game at about 1am," he said."

"I was ready to go to bed but he said we should make an ice bath. I jumped in that and I think that has already helped my recovery. He is a really good guy as well."

Smith says there was a renewed focus for the GC SUNS after the previous week's heavy loss to Essendon.

"Coming off that loss last week we focused on starting the game really well. I think we did that. We stuck to our structures and won the contested footy. I think that got us over the line," he said.

"I didn't really think about it. If it came my way it came my way. I'm very happy and honoured. I just want to keep being consistent and play my role for the team."