By Michael Whiting

Rory Thompson has had to wait longer than most, but when he runs on to Metricon Stadium for the first time on Saturday night, there will be no prouder GC SUNS than the former Southport Shark.

Thompson signed with Gold Coast in 2009 and has been at the club since day one to watch its rise to AFL status.

The son of two-time Southport premiership player and Hall of Famer Brett, Thompson has had to bide his time in the reserves this season until coach Guy McKenna gave him the tap earlier this week.

At 200cm and 91kg, the 20-year-old redhead is a solid build and will play in the backline against the Sydney Swans.

He said making his debut on the Gold Coast would be special.

"I've got a lot of family and friends around so I couldn't pick a better spot," he said.

"The phone has been going off the hook trying to get tickets so there'll be a few here."

Thompson has played full-forward – just like dad – and in the ruck for most of his career but has made a good fist of the backline in recent weeks.

He said he was comfortable there and looking forward to taking whoever he lined up on.

"The last couple of games I've had in the backline I've felt pretty good so I was hoping it'd (debut) be sooner rather than later," he said.

"I'm pretty confident. I've had a couple of games there and I know what my role is and hopefully I can do it well on the weekend.

"I've been here since we first started so I've been waiting a long time so it's good to finally get it."