GOLD Coast’s push for a maiden finals berth has been made tougher, with ruckman Zac Smith to miss the rest of the season.
Smith suffered an ankle injury during the Suns' shock loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba last weekend and will have surgery on on Thursday.
"Zac has seen specialists this week and it has been determined that he will require surgery on his ankle," Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said.
"He will have the surgery in Brisbane on Thursday and as a result he will miss the remainder of the season."
The setback continues a tough recent run for Smith, 24.
He suffered a serious knee injury in round eight last season and was sidelined for 12 months, returning in round nine this year.
"It’s a disappointing way for Zac to end the season, considering his comeback from his knee injury," Ashcroft said.
"Fortunately for Zac, he will be fit enough to resume training when the team returns for pre-season training, allowing him to have a full summer of training ahead of the 2015 season."
