Gold Coast midfielder Michael Rischitelli will have to wait at least another week to return to the senior line-up in his comeback from an ACL injury suffered in round 16 last season.

SUNS senior coach Rodney Eade said the plan had always been for Rischitelli to play at least one more reserves game, rather than to return this week for the side's clash with Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

The former Lion has played three NEAFL games as he builds his fitness, but Eade said a tougher match against the Swans' reserves this week would be a better guide to his recovery coming off two easy wins.

"That will be a good test for him to be able to get that contested part into his body," Eade said.

Rischitelli gathered 27 disposals and a goal in his latest NEAFL outing, showing signs that he could return to his best for the remainder of the season.

Trent McKenzie will play his long-awaited 100th match this weekend, his first senior game since round 14 last season.

Eade said that McKenzie's ball use would be an important addition to the side with classy half-back Pearce Hanley out with a hamstring injury.

"He's such a good kick, and I think you need to kick it well, especially on a small ground," Eade said.

"He's had to work hard for his spot. His last two weeks have been very good."

Eade said Sydney was the in form side in the competition, and that Gold Coast's speed would not be enough to topple the Swans.

"They're back to full strength and they're playing exceptionally well," he said.

"We're not banking on a pace advantage. We've got to match their intensity in-tight, and we've done a fair bit of work on that this week."