Ending this campaign with eight wins, just three behind finals-bound Carlton, the Suns will be expected to challenge for a top eight position next year.
McKenna believes a veteran half-back could take his team to the next level, given the solid spine already in place and with exciting youngster Jack Martin set to add to an already super-talented midfield.
"We've been hurt by sides that counter attack really well," he said.
"If you looked at our squad right now and said 'What's Gold Coast deficient in?' I'd say a solid rebounding half-back.
"We may end up in the draft. Does that mean Jesse Lonergan runs off half-back next year? Potentially.
"We've seen David Swallow for half a year doing that managing his (knee) injury. But do you want him off half-back or in the midfield?
"For me, if I assessed where our list is at … I would think a solid, mature, middle-aged running, rebounding defender would be the area I'd be looking at."
The Suns acquired Greg Broughton from Fremantle last off-season, but he has played in more of a defensive role, while Jarrod Harbrow has been pushed further upfield this season.
If Gold Coast wants to go to the trade table, it has some quality draft picks that could make good trade material.
They will have a top-10 pick, along with a compensation pick at the end of the first round to play with if required.
