STEVEN May will return for Gold Coast's match against Geelong on Saturday, but is not the Suns' one-man saviour, says fellow co-captain Tom Lynch.

May has missed the past two matches – losses to Adelaide and North Melbourne – with a hamstring injury, and will play the Cats if he gets through training this week. 

And despite praise from coach Rodney Eade for the efforts of his undermanned defence, it can't come soon enough for the Suns.

Against the Kangaroos they were also missing defensive cornerstones Rory Thompson (quad) and Kade Kolodjashnij (illness), which allowed giant Roo Ben Brown to take advantage with six goals, despite the strong play of 22-year-old Jack Leslie.

Ahead of playing a Geelong outfit led by spearhead Tom Hawkins, Lynch said May's return would help in a number of ways.

"I think Steve coming in is not going to be the saviour, it just helps with that leadership," Lynch said.

"He's co-captain and is great in the backline, wins his one-on-ones, so he's going to be really good and drive the boys in the backline. 

"We had a fairly young defence (against North Melbourne). 

"Jack Leslie is doing a great job, it was his 10th game on the weekend, he's really coming along, (but) with Steve there alongside him, it's only going to benefit him."

Kolodjashnij is expected to return, while robust midfielder David Swallow is a certain starter after being rested last week. 

Lynch said although Gold Coast would look at how Collingwood slowed down Cats skipper Joel Selwood at the weekend, there wouldn't be an overemphasis on he or Patrick Dangerfield.

"You look at any side, you find ways to stop their best players having the most influence, so I'm sure this week we'll have a look at different things Collingwood have done," Lynch said. 

"If you get too focused on one player, the other players are really going to hurt you. 

"It'd be a bit foolish to focus just on Dangerfield and Selwood … they're pretty even across the park."