At least one SUNS player hopes Port Adelaide powerhouse Charlie Dixon overcomes an ankle injury to return to Metricon Stadium on Saturday night – his likely opponent Steven May.

The bookends were Gold Coast teammates for five seasons before Dixon was traded to Port at the end of 2015, and May hopes they reacquaint this weekend.

Dixon has kicked 30 goals in 18 matches for his new club, but missed Saturday's Showdown against Adelaide with an ankle injury.

It was a problem that also dogged during his 65 games with the SUNS.

May said he would keep a close eye on news out of Alberton this week.

"I'd prefer for him to play to be honest, that would be a lot of fun," May said.

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"I've never played on him in an actual game, so it'd be interesting.

"I'm sure Port Adelaide will take care of his interests, and not just a little rivalry between him and me."

May, who has had a brilliant season following a five-game suspension for a crude bump on Brisbane Lion Stefan Martin, said he and Rory Thompson would share time on Dixon if the full-forward were cleared to play.

"I played a lot on Lynchy (Tom Lynch) during the pre-season matches, because big Rory takes Charlie because he's bigger bodied.

"I'm sure Rory and myself would swap on him.

"I don't know about the score – he (Dixon) would say it's in his favour, but it doesn't mean anything until it's in a real game."

Although neither side can play finals, May said the contest was crucial for Gold Coast after poor losses to Essendon and Collingwood in the past fortnight.

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He said the reviews had been "brutal" and the SUNS needed to take some form into their pre-season.

"We've made huge gains as a footy club this year, on and off field," May said.

'We've laid a lot of foundations and we've found some younger players who can be part of our team next year.

"Apart from the injuries, it's been a successful year. Although the wins don't stack up, we feel like we're in a better place.

"We're ready to go one last game of the year and want to finish on a good note."