By Michael Whiting

Gold Coast SUNS deputy Campbell Brown hopes a little inside knowledge can help the GC SUNS spring a surprise victory over his former club, Hawthorn, on Saturday.

Brown, who played 159 matches over nine seasons with Hawthorn, said he had helped Guy McKenna and his coaching staff plan for the match at Launceston's Aurora Stadium.

Although not elaborating on exactly how, Brown said he'd played a hand in the GC SUNS game plan to take on his old club.

"We've certainly done a lot of homework on the Hawks and the best way we can beat them," he said.

"I was part of the planning process and put a few things in place that can hopefully restrict some of their ball movement."

The rugged defender said he did not expect any malicious sledging on game day.

"There's been a couple of texts during the week and a bit of fun," he said.

"I'd almost be disappointed if the boys didn't say something out there and I'll be saying something back but it'll be in good humour. I left there on really good terms and there's certainly no grudge."

Much of Gold Coast SUNS attention will be on how to stop Coleman Medal leader Lance Franklin.

Coach Guy McKenna said on Wednesday the GC SUNS might be prepared to try a youngster on him, but Brown said if Franklin moved away from the goalsquare he would be prepared to take the responsibility.

"He's certainly been playing a lot higher up the ground this year and he was even in for a centre bounce last week against Geelong which was an interesting one.

"Everyone will have to play their role on him when we can and try and restrict him.

"The midfielders have got to certainly help us win the ball instead of it coming straight in. Nathan Bock will probably be the bloke on him but all the defenders will be looking to chop out when we can."

The GC SUNS have strengthened their defensive unit by recalling rugby league convert Karmichael Hunt after one week in the reserves.

The GC SUNS have also brought in another defender, Jack Hutchins (who was mentioned by McKenna as a possible match-up for Franklin), midfielder Matt Shaw and ruckman Dan Gorringe.

Teenagers Zac Smith (soreness) and David Swallow (ankle) will miss their first matches of the season.

Brown, who is familiar with Hawthorn's second home in Tasmania, said his young teammates could expect freezing conditions.

"We're coming up against a quality side so we'll have to be on top of our game, which we think we will be, because we can't afford to give any side a start, let alone the Hawks, like we have the last couple of weeks."