Karmichael Hunt may not get a chance to farewell the AFL unless he can prove he's worthy of selection to coach Guy McKenna.

The Gold Coast midfielder is off-contract at the end of the season and is widely expected to return to rugby union next year with the Queensland Reds.

The 27-year-old has made just one appearance for the Suns in 2014 as he's battled injury and illness throughout the year.

But it's appearing increasingly likely that appearance against Sydney in round 12, his 44th game for the Suns, could be the last time the ex-rugby league star is seen in an AFL match.

McKenna says he won't let sentiment or romance cloud his team selection over the coming weeks, especially with the Suns still hopeful of a maiden finals berth.

"That's still my duty, to prepare this club to win each week," McKenna said.

"Tom Murphy's announced his retirement. We know he'll not be here next year but he could be here for the next two weeks after this week. He could play in our first finals game as well.

"Karmichael's the same. If he's good enough he'll get selected."