"He's not in our best 22 at the moment, but his two (practice) games this year could not be faulted," McKenna told AFL.com.au.
"What I have learned about Karmichael Hunt is that when he's challenged he wants to bash it (the challenge) straight down. He's not in our best 22, but it won't be long before he gets the chance."
Hunt, 27, defected from the National Rugby League and also had a stint playing rugby union in France before joining the Suns in 2010, the year before they entered the AFL.
He has played 43 games and kicked six goals in three seasons, but his contract is up at the end of the season and there have been suggestions in Queensland that he may give up his AFL aspirations.
"When he's able to fight and fight on his own terms, I think he adds another dimension to our best side and he'll demand a spot on our list going forward," McKenna said.
The Suns remain convinced he will continue with the club in 2015 and hopefully beyond.
"My conversations with him so far indicate that and his performances so far indicate that," McKenna said.
"He's made a success of rugby league and had a go at rugby union, but I think he wants to be around the Gold Coast Suns when they're successful and be a part of that."
"What I have learned about Karmichael Hunt is that when he's challenged he wants to bash it (the challenge) straight down. He's not in our best 22, but it won't be long before he gets the chance."
Hunt, 27, defected from the National Rugby League and also had a stint playing rugby union in France before joining the Suns in 2010, the year before they entered the AFL.
He has played 43 games and kicked six goals in three seasons, but his contract is up at the end of the season and there have been suggestions in Queensland that he may give up his AFL aspirations.
"When he's able to fight and fight on his own terms, I think he adds another dimension to our best side and he'll demand a spot on our list going forward," McKenna said.
The Suns remain convinced he will continue with the club in 2015 and hopefully beyond.
"My conversations with him so far indicate that and his performances so far indicate that," McKenna said.
"He's made a success of rugby league and had a go at rugby union, but I think he wants to be around the Gold Coast Suns when they're successful and be a part of that."
