PREMIERSHIP forward Nathan Ablett is on the cusp of making his debut for Gold Coast against Adelaide on Saturday after coach Guy McKenna on Wednesday flagged his possible inclusion.

Injury and poor form have kept Ablett out of favour all season but after some promising signs in the reserves and a big-man shortage at the Suns, he appears a good chance to play.

McKenna said Ablett had played well recently and with his contract expiring this year, it would be nice to see him play and assess his prospects.

"Nath's been in good form in the twos and obviously getting towards the end of the season we have to have a look at him, so he'll be in the mix," McKenna said.

"He's one of the 15 boys out of contract at the end of the year and we probably have to make about seven changes.

"We want to make sure we give these boys enough opportunity to show their wares. In some cases we know that's difficult now if you haven't played a game, but he's (Ablett) been in good form. If we push that (selection) button, at least we know he's in reasonable form."

Ablett, 25, played 32 matches for Geelong but retired shortly after helping them to the 2007 premiership.

McKenna said both Tom Lynch and Zac Smith would miss against the Crows after both pulled up sore after last week's loss against the Brisbane Lions, opening the door for the inclusion of some more talls.

He said Ablett's inclusion, if it happened, would be a reward for perseverance.

"You've got to earn your stripes and Nathan understood that," he said.

"He's worked himself back into contention and he's come from a long way back to bubble up at this late stage of the season and give himself a chance. If he gets that opportunity you just wish for him that he grabs it with both hands."

McKenna said other possible inclusions for the Suns were Karmichael Hunt, Luke Russell, Brandon Matera and Liam Patrick after all showed strong form in the reserves last week.

He also hinted that David Swallow could miss selection after pulling up sore, noting "if he did play, it would be limited game time".

McKenna said he would not be part of any publicity stunt that might pit Hunt against former rugby league teammate Israel Folau when the Suns reserves play GWS in the curtain-raiser to the seniors on Saturday.

"I'm not a marketer, I'm a footy coach. If 'K' is needed and in good form, we'd play him," he said.

"If he ends up playing seconds and Izzy Folau, fantastic, but that doesn't really interest me and I'm sure it doesn't interest 'K'. I'm sure he wants to play senior footy.

"If there's a spot in the seniors we'll get him in, but there'll be no reason to leave him in the seconds just so he can play on Izzy Folau."

Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting