Lynch suffered ligament damage to his left ankle last week and will miss the early rounds of the season.
It is another setback for the tireless centre half-forward after missing six weeks with an injury to the same leg last year.
However, Lynch's poor luck is an opportunity for May to show coach Guy McKenna he should be left in the forward line, rather than being swung between both ends of the ground.
May was drafted by the Suns in 2010 as a priority zone selection after being named as full forward in the under-18 All Australian team, but since coming to the Suns he has spent much of his time learning the ropes down back.
McKenna has wanted the 21-year-old to learn from the best forwards in the competition and become a player capable of impacting at both ends, but the boy from Darwin has coveted the chance for a consistent run in the forward 50.
In a memorable performance in round 21 last season, May had 22 disposals, 12 marks and three goals against premiership runner-up Hawthorn.
Despite a minor knee niggle picked up against North Melbourne on Saturday, May is expected to get first crack at Lynch's spot in round one against St Kilda on March 30.
"I played forward as a junior, which I find more comfortable and natural. (The) backline is a very tough position and that's why I've been down there this whole summer, just trying to learn,” May said.
“Footy is week to week with injuries and suspensions, heaps of things can happen. Having that flexibility will give me the chance to play every week hopefully."
May has got himself into pristine shape during the pre-season, dropping 5kg and improving in almost every area.
He said it had been a struggle to get his head around the role of switching between ends, but that it was necessary to give himself a better chance of selection as the season wears on.
"It's definitely tricky. It's hard to feel like you have an impact on the game," he said.
"You might play forward, won't have a touch, (then you) go back, we start winning the ball and you won't get a touch again.
"Some games you'll get the ball and some you won't. It's more of a mental challenge than a physical challenge, just getting your head around it."
But for now at least, May only needs to worry about playing forward.
In other Suns' injury news, Danny Stanley, Dion Prestia and Michael Rischitelli all got through a match for the Suns' reserves at the weekend and are expected to line up against the Sydney Swans on Saturday in Blacktown.
Steven May is a defender/forward in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 55.9 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy Hub.
Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
