Brisbane Lions rising star Archie Smith has his eyes set on becoming the Club’s top ruckman.

It was a dream that seemed distant when the Lions first offered Smith a rookie contract three years ago — but now it is a very real possibility.

The 21-year-old finally got his chance in Round 19 against Port Adelaide and showed his future is very bright.

“That was a great moment for me, I had been itching to play,’’ Smith told the Courier-Mail.

“The first couple of years I don’t think I was ready, but I attacked my third year with a vigour to play and by the time I got a chance I was desperate to show I deserved it.

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“I think I can have an impact and really contribute to this team and to success in the future, I want to play alongside (Josh) Scache, (Eric) Hipwood, (Harris) Andrews and (Ben) Keays and these guys until the end of our careers.’’

Smith’s 2016 Season truly was a breakout year. In his debut he was voted as the Lions’ best, finishing the game with 30 hit outs and 19 disposals, the fourth most of any Lions player on the night. The ruck revelation followed up his impressive debut with 32 hit outs against Adelaide the following week and kicked his first career goal in a four point win over Carlton in round 21

The Lions saw enough in three games to extend his contract for another two years on the Senior list.

Smith is 201cm and has shown he can jump over opposition ruckmen. He is not yet a heavyweight at 101kgs, but he is no longer the skinny kid who first arrived at the Gabba.

One thing he does admit is that he needs to build his endurance.

“I have obviously taken strides in the past few years since I got here, but if I want to play senior footy, especially with how mobile ruckmen are becoming, I need a good endurance base,’’ he said.

“As for my strength, I’m obviously not Stef Martin yet, although hopefully I get to that size one day, but I am building confidence in my body that I have the strength to compete with the best ruckmen and to push around midfielders.’’