Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna told SEN Smith may have initially sustained the injury while trying to sidestep Will Minson midway through the first quarter, before ultimately damaging it with an innocuous jump minutes later.

 

"It's shattering news for the big fella, he's been a real key for us," McKenna said.

 

"To lose Zac like that is sad. He's got a good mentor like (assistant coach) Matty Primus who has done three, so he's in good hands, but we'd much prefer him playing of course."

 

The 23-year-old has played 44 games with the Suns since making his debut in the club’s first match against Carlton in 2011.

 

After a disappointing 2012, Smith has recaptured something approaching his best form this season.

 

His loss is a huge blow for Gold Coast, that is also without fellow ruck Charlie Dixon, who has missed the past two matches with an ankle injury.

 

He is still in a moon boot and McKenna described as a "long shot" to play Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

 

He said one-gamer Tom Nicholls was slightly edging highly-touted Daniel Gorringe to fill the ruck role.

 

"Tom Nicholls is just finding his feet. Technically he's a very sound ruck ... he's got some form in the lower levels," McKenna said.

 

"He would certainly, at this stage, have his nose ahead."