GOLD Coast's Zac Smith showed supporters why he is one of the favourites for the NAB AFL Rising Star award with a great goal in the first quarter against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

After taking a mark inside the forward 50, the big ruckman played on and ran away from Saint Justin Koschitzke before perfectly executing a little screw kick from 25m with his right foot for a goal.

The Suns trail the Saints by 15 points at half-time.