AFL Sydney is pleased to announce that the 2016 Round 17 Rising Star is Zack Smith from the Pennant Hills Demons.
Seventeen year old Zack Smith made his Premier Division debut in Round 10 this season against East Coast Eagles in which he more than capably acquitted himself against the top team in the Premier Division competition.
Zack is originally from Melbourne where he got his first taste of footy. When his family moved to Sydney, he joined Westbrook Juniors where he played several seasons and also had a stint at Kellyville. He has been a state representative … U15 Blue Dogs and U16 RAMS … and is a GWS Academy player. In addition to his commitments to Pennant Hills, Zack has also had four games with the GWS NEAFL side, most recently in the Round 17 match against Sydney Swans.
Chris Yard, coach of Pennant Hills Premier Division, has been impressed with Zack’s quality football skills, his physicality and endurance. In Round 13 against UNSW/ES Bulldogs he was able to overcome the greasy conditions, as well as the opposition, and was amongst the best for Pennant Hills. In last weekend’s match against St George he demonstrated his courage and hardness at the ball. On another day not ideally suited for free-flowing footy, Zack showed the sure-handling and accurate disposal necessary to play at the highest level. He often found himself in space and proved that he was not afraid of the ‘crash and bash’ of senior football.
In his five Premier Division matches so far this season, Zack has clearly demonstrated that he has the talent and drive to perform at the highest level in Sydney AFL. He looks like an exciting prospect and undoubtedly, he has a football future with great potential.
Congratulations Zack!
Last Modified on 17/08/2016 22:13
