By Paul Daffey

Gold Coast SUNS key position player Steven May says the coaches' confidence in him was a large factor behind his breakthrough performance in the SUNS 64-point loss to Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

May has played mostly in defence during his sporadic games at the top level, but when Gold Coast SUNS coach Guy McKenna told him on Wednesday that he would play as a key forward against Hawthorn, he could barely wait.

Then, after an encouraging first quarter in which he took five marks and had eight disposals against premiership defender Stephen Gilham, the assistant coaches told him to go for broke.

"The coaches told me at quarter-time, 'Go for it, mate, go for your marks'," May said.

I just took the opportunity.

May said it had helped that he'd played mostly in defence during his 14 games because he'd learned what defenders dislike.

He put his lessons into practice to the extent that he took 12 marks, had 22 disposals and kicked three goals during a performance in which he eclipsed Gilham.

I got the message that I had to compete and create contests and I did that, he said.

"The ball was sticking in my hands today."

May is from the Southern Districts club in Darwin but he came to Melbourne to complete his schooling at Melbourne Grammar.

In 2010, his form for Northern Territory during the AFL Under-18 Championships led to his selection at full-forward in the All Australian team.

The SUNS took him as a priority zone selection and he played nine games in the club's debut season.

Now 20, May has the physical credentials to make his mark as a key forward, being 190cm and 100kg with a large motor that enables him to get to contests.

McKenna said May's shoulder injury during the pre-season had set back his fitness levels, making it difficult for him to keep his spot in the SUNS team.

Before this match May had played in rounds one, two, 14, 18 and 20, an interrupted sequence that made it difficult for him to gain momentum.

McKenna said it had not worked playing May in the backline, so he took a punt and played him in attack.

"Maysy through a lack of fitness had struggled down back," McKenna said.

This game he went forward, it was played in his terms and he took full toll, which is a credit to him.   

Click here to watch the Hawks v GC SUNS match highlights