THERE'S no goals, no glory, but Gold Coast backman Steven May is revelling in his role as the Suns' key defender.

May has played a huge part in the Suns' fast start to the season, ensuring the main scoring threats of Essendon and Fremantle have been kept quiet.

Against a Bombers team shorn of so many stars, May took on tall forward Joe Daniher and restricted him to just one goal and a handful of disposals in round one.

The challenge got tougher as the Suns' claimed their first win in Perth against the Dockers, manning up against Fremantle veteran Matthew Pavlich and then Brownlow Medallist Nat Fyfe.

"You just test yourself. I think it's great," May said.

"There's a lot of pressure on you as well, because they can kick bags of goals and are obviously key players, but you're just as valuable to the team.

"All my teammates respect that. I think that's what I like most about it."

May believes his own job is made much easier by the stability the Suns' have managed in their backline so far this season.

Suns coach Rodney Eade has made just one change to his team for Saturday's clash with Carlton, bringing in Matt Rosa for youngster Callum Ah Chee.

It means the same defence that withstood a Fremantle onslaught will line up against the Blues.

May says the return to fitness of fellow tall Rory Thompson after an injury-plagued 2015 and the consistency in his defensive cohorts is vital.

"We haven't played as a back six for consecutive weeks for a while," he said.

"I remember sometimes there'd be as many as three new defenders coming in each week.

"To be able to do that, you build that trust."

Carlton, winless despite solid efforts against Richmond and the Swans in the opening two rounds, has made three changes for their trip to Metricon Stadium.

Irishman Ciaran Byrne, Dylan Buckley and Mark Whiley are in, while Andrejs Everitt (injured), Simon White (omitted) and Jed Lamb (injured) are sidelined.