With regular fullback Rory Thompson missing from Gold Coast's round one meeting with Richmond, May stepped into the breach and was a standout in the 18-point victory.

Two weeks later, there's every chance he'll be standing right alongside his childhood hero when Gold Coast and Fremantle square off on Sunday. 

May, in combination with veteran Matthew Warnock, shut down both Ty Vickery and Jack Riewoldt in his most commanding defensive performance yet in the opening-round win over the Tigers.

Thompson now has a reserves game under his belt after a disrupted pre-season and is a chance to play the Dockers, but either way, May will undoubtedly spend time on a player he described as "my favourite player growing up".

"Pavlich is a superstar – I'm going to be excited to play against him on the weekend," May said. 

"I admired how he played down back, then onball, then could go forward. He's just a complete player. 

"It's a privilege to get a chance to play one-on-one on these blokes. That's another challenge … the genuine superstars like Jack Riewoldt and Matty Pavlich. 

"It's exciting but it's also a massive challenge."

While his 16 disposals, 17 one per centers and five marks told a story against the Tigers, May's breakout defensive game was best highlighted by his aggression and willingness to lead his opponent to the ball.

He said the pressure from Gold Coast's forwards and midfielders ensured the ball was coming in slowly and gave the defence an even-money chance to succeed.

But most of all, May was confident, and said an off-season message from defensive coach Dean Solomon had sunk in.

"I've been challenged through the NAB Challenge to to be more of a leader," May said.

"I liked the extra responsibility and embraced it because I want to be part of our future and hold down a spot.

"Now that we're in our fourth season, we're all expected to perform. We've thrown out the 'you're kids and young guys'. 

"There's no excuses any more. When you get a spot, you've got to try your best to keep it or there'll be boys knocking on the door."

 

May said he preferred to be a proactive defender who could intercept mark and help the rest of the back six, rather than simply a defensive-minded spoiler.

He said Fremantle would provide the ultimate early-season challenge for the improving Suns.

"I've got a lot of respect for Freo as a team. They've shown team defence can get you to a grand final, and that's something we're trying to work on," he said.

And on marking his boyhood idol?

"I'm going to be aiming to nullify his performance as much as possible. That'll be a tough ask, but we'll see how we go."