Covering the loss of Gary Ablett is not a one-man task.

When Gold Coast plays just the sixth match in its history without Ablett on Saturday, they will fill the void by committee, says vice-captain David Swallow.

In five matches without their skipper in almost four seasons, it's little surprise the SUNS are winless.

And while still unsure just how long he'll be on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder, Swallow said the Suns now had the confidence to cover Ablett's absence against the Western Bulldogs in Cairns.

He said Saturday night's gutsy five-point win over Collingwood – minus the injured Ablett for the final 50 minutes - had been a huge shot in the arm.

"It's obviously not ideal losing the best player in the comp, but the boys will make do," Swallow said on Tuesday morning.

"We've all got to stand up and take on the void that Gary leaves.

"We've played without Gary before and it just allows the boys to step up and take control."

Swallow was a prime example against the Magpies, playing an imperious final quarter when the SUNS had no rotations on their bench.

He finished the match with 31 disposals – 11 in the last term – to help will his team over the line.

Jaeger O'Meara, Harley Bennell, Jarrod Harbrow and Dion Prestia all lifted at the weekend to prove Gold Coast had the on-field depth to cover Ablett's absence. But it's the leadership department that also needs covering.

Swallow said fellow vice-captains Michael Rischitelli, Dion Prestia and Tom Lynch would all take on extra responsibility.

"We'll all take responsibility and try and lead the best we can," he said. "It's a good thing there's a few of us so we can share that responsibility."

Aside from Ablett, the SUNS will also be without rebounding defender Trent McKenzie, who is expected to miss up to a month with a hamstring injury.

Power forward Charlie Dixon (corked calf) is a 50-50 chance to play in his hometown, while first-year defender Sean Lemmens must pass a concussion test to be considered.

Swallow said Gold Coast would have a lighter week of training to prepare after the taxing win over the Magpies.
"I don't think the boys will be flat, if anything they're excited … and looking forward to the challenge," he said.

"It's a game we can't afford to drop."