Stuart Dew expects every member of the losing side to St Kilda to lift this week when they travel to Launceston to take on the Hawks.

Dew particularly shone the spotlight on Gold Coast’s younger players, saying they need to stand up and show as much leadership as their more experienced teammates.

With a rehab group lengthening by the week, Dew has few options to turn to, although the SUNS' mentor hinted Peter Wright was in the frame to play his first game for 2018. 

Gold Coast is missing captain Steven May, Pearce Hanley, Matt Rosa, Aaron Hall, Michael Barlow and now Jack Bowes (quad) from a team that desperately lacks leadership and class.

Dew said Monday's review of the Saints game – in which his team blew a 31-point three-quarter time lead – was tough, but the same players would be given another chance against the Hawks.

"It's a hard one," Dew said.

"We rolled out eight or nine (listed players) in the NEAFL.

"There's obviously opportunities with that but we can't tip everyone out, that's just where we're at, so it gives guys great opportunities to prove their place in the side and bounce back."

Although the SUNS are likely to choose a more mobile type like Brad Scheer, Will Brodie or Jacob Heron, Dew said Wright was now in the mix for senior selection.

The towering forward missed 10 weeks due to a calf injury sustained during the pre-season, but now has a block of NEAFL matches under his belt.

"He missed a chunk of the season so I think everyone needs to take a breath," Dew. 

"When you miss 10 or 11 weeks you can't just walk back into AFL footy, you've got to be able to play four quarters.

"He's put two (full games) together in the NEAFL, so physically he's ready to go."

Dew said despite the youth of his team, there was no excuse for a lack of leadership.

"When we say leadership it's not just the senior players," he said. 

"They're men. We need to build our young players up in those areas and what they can influence, and give them an understanding that although they're a 10, 20-game player, they can really have a bearing on the result."