Gold Coast have lost ruckman Zac Smith to an AFL season-ending knee injury.

It’s a huge blow, with the 23-year-old having been in fine form this season, helping the Suns to their current 4-4 record.

Smith needs an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction, after hyperextending his right knee against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said the effects would still be felt next year.

“The nature of the injury means Zac will miss the rest of the 2013 season and will be in rehabilitation mode when the 2014 pre-season commences,” Ashcroft said.

The Suns, whose win over the Bulldogs gave them consecutive victories for the first time in their history, could also be without fellow ruckman Charlie Dixon against Hawthorn on Sunday.

Dixon has missed the club’s past two games with an ankle injury and is rated only a slim chance to return.