After weathering the storm for a large portion of the first part of 2015, Gold Coast has strengthened its defensive spine in recent weeks with Rory Thompson re-joining Steven May in the key posts down back.
 
With Greater Western Sydney next on the SUNS' running sheet, a combination of All Australian Jeremy Cameron and surprise packet Cam McCarthy awaits Thompson, May and Gold Coast’s back six.
 
The Giants pair have established themselves as one of the premier one-two attacking punches in the game this season, with Cameron second in the Coleman medal race on 42 goals and McCarthy just outside the top-ten on 31 majors.
 
Despite the return of Thompson, and May’s recent run of strong form, Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade believes the key to quelling the influence of the Giants weaponry will be applying pressure further up the ground.
 
“No doubt they are our two best defenders, but it will be more up the field that we are able to put pressure on because they can run exceptionally well, they do run and carry the ball,” Eade told SUNS TV on Thursday night.
 
“So if we haven’t got our pressure on, we don’t win contested ball, or don’t put pressure on the carriers, that’s going to make our defenders job a lot more difficult.”
 
After emerging as one of the best young key defenders in the game in 2014, May has endured a frustrating season to date, due to untimely injuries and a controversial stint on the sidelines for his bump on Brisbane captain Tom Rockliff.
 
Since returning against Hawthorn in round nine, the 22-year-old has recaptured the form that captivated the football landscape last season, producing stellar performances on Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin, Lachie Henderson and Drew Petrie.
 
A vital pillar in Eade’s 22, May’s ability to find continuity in his football and some confidence in his body has been a decisive factor in allowing him to put together an impressive patch, according to the veteran football mentor.
 
“He’s had a few ups and downs (this year). Obviously the report and running into the first game he hadn’t played games leading into that and then he got an injury with his groin. So he’s had a bit of an up and down (year) as far as continuity,” Eade quipped.
 
“Always first back after a spell he’s tended to struggle, but he’s last couple of weeks have been fantastic. He did very well against North Melbourne and was great last week.”