GOLD Coast full-back Steven May says he won't be changing his playing style as he prepares to return from a three-game suspension against Hawthorn on Saturday.
May was suspended following his highly-publicised bump in round five that left Brisbane Lions skipper Tom Rockliff with concussion.
May admitted to still being confused by the ruling that put him on the sidelines, but said if the same circumstance presented themselves against the Hawks, he wouldn't change his aggressive nature.
"It is a bit confusing, but I'm not going to change the way I attack," May said.
Prestia may be done for the season
"The main thing out of the Tribunal was that I was unlucky, although unlucky doesn't come into the result.
"I did make full contact with his (Rockliff’s) body and clip him high, and as a player that's my responsibility and my duty of care, so you've got to cop the suspension.
"I'll definitely be mindful, especially with a few of those small forwards Hawthorn have got who are tricky, but it's not going to change the way I play footy."
May has watched on as Gold Coast has suffered heavy losses against Adelaide, West Coast and Collingwood in his absence.
With fellow key defender Rory Thompson (hip) also sidelined, it has left inexperienced pair Henry Schade and Jack Leslie to take on the likes of Taylor Walker, Josh Kennedy and Travis Cloke.
May said he felt "a bit guilty" leaving the backline so thin, but was pleased to see Schade and Leslie take their chance.
"What better way to learn than to be out there in front of everyone?
"Those two boys were just getting through NEAFL, and having good and bad games, and now they've come in and been serviceable.
"We can't ask for much more from them. With all the inside 50s (against), they've won a lot of contests and they've also lost some, but that's to be expected.
"Even if Rory and myself were out there, we'd be getting goals kicked on us."
May said the loss of Dion Prestia (knee) for the remainder of the season would hurt Gold Coast's leadership and ball-winning ability, but not its ability to defend and put pressure on the Hawks.
