FINALLY there's some good news for struggling Gold Coast, with Jack Martin expected to return from an ankle injury for Saturday's match against Hawthorn.

Martin suffered the injury in round five and has missed three matches, but trained strongly at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday. 

He completed a long set of agility tests and repeat speed efforts to prove his fitness, and barring any mishaps later in the week, will line up against the Hawks. 

Meanwhile, Nick Malceski appears almost certain to return to action through the NEAFL this weekend.

Malceski has not played since round four where he underwent a clean-up on his knee to take care of a troublesome bursar.

He has slowly built his running back up and only rejoined the main training group in the past week.

The Suns believe Malceski needs more conditioning before returning to the senior team.

Martin's return comes in the same week midfield ace Dion Prestia was ruled out for at least 12 weeks with a knee injury. 

The Suns are now missing their four best midfielders in Gary Ablett, Jaeger O'Meara, David Swallow and Prestia.

Steven May will resume his place at full-back after missing the past three weeks through suspension.