With Steven May now suspended for five weeks and Rory Thompson still sidelined with an ankle injury, the tall defensive stocks have been weakened at Metricon Stadium ahead of this Saturday’s clash against North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos feature a trio of tall forwards in Jarrad Waite, Drew Petrie and Ben Brown with All Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein also spending time resting forward, meaning Gold Coast’s back six will have their hands full.

The absence of May and Thompson opens up opportunity, but how Rodney Eade and his coaching staff will structure their round five side is anyone’s guess.

Jack Leslie and Henry Schade have been manning the key posts in the reserves and performing solidly, providing the option of a like-for-like replacement.

There is also the opportunity to promote a rookie player to the senior list with South Australian Tom Keough the prime candidate if that occurs.

However the SUNS may opt to swing the reliable Sam Day back, potentially giving 2014 No. 8 draft pick Peter Wright the opportunity inside the forward 50 arc.

Jarrad Grant kicked seven goals against the Lions reserves and provides another forward option.

Eade may also swing in the axe in the wake of the SUNS’ disappointing 13-point loss to the Brisbane Lions, with several players putting their hands up for selection with strong performances in the twos.

Luke Russell had 35 disposals and booted a couple of goals in the NEAFL last week while Seb Tape had 31 touches and provided plenty of hardness around the contest, something the SUNS were missing at senior level last week. Dan Currie also compiled a physical performance in the ruck and knows the competition’s premier ruckman, Todd Goldstein, better than anyone given he spent three seasons at Arden Street.