AFTER more than 18 months on the sidelines, Gold Coast midfielder David Swallow took a huge step to returning to senior footy on Saturday, playing strongly in the Suns' intraclub at Metricon Stadium.

Swallow has played just six games in the past two seasons – and none in 2016 – because of ongoing knee problems.

He has completed the entire pre-season though, and got through unscathed playing a mix of half-back, wing and midfield.

"His pre-season has been terrific, he worked his way into the game today and was quite impressive," coach Rodney Eade said.

"He's a bull, he's tough, he's strong at it.

"He'll probably play all JLT (Community Series) games, but it'll be a graded game-time. 

"He'll probably play a half next week, then three quarters, then a full game."

The Suns picked up a couple of minor injuries out of the game, but Eade says not of them are a major concern.

Trent McKenzie has a Baker's cyst and will likely miss a week, while No.4 draft pick Ben Ainsworth (hip) and ex-Crow Jarryd Lyons (Achilles) were taken off at half-time as a precautionary measure.

Gary Ablett (shoulder), Michael Rischitelli (knee), Jarrod Harbrow (ankle), Peter Wright (finger), Alex Sexton (wrist), Michael Barlow (personal reasons) and Jarrod Witts (shoulder) all did not play.

Witts will be a certain starter in the Suns' first pre-season match against the Brisbane Lions next Sunday.

Another who will join him is No.10 draft pick Jack Bowes, who was outstanding in the winning white team.

Eade split the red and white teams evenly, with the best forward lining up against the best defenders, including Bowes who played mostly at half-back.

"He's very calm under pressure, he makes good decisions," Eade said.

"He really puts himself in the frame for round one."