GOLD Coast will be without star defender Steven May for Saturday night's clash with Richmond due a hamstring injury.

May sustained the injury in the round 17 loss to Collingwood, but was named in the team on Thursday to face the Tigers. However, May failed to prove his fitness at training later that night.



The loss of the club's co-captain will result in local product Max Spencer making his debut at Metricon Stadium, after he was upgraded to the senior list.



Spencer, 19, was taken by the Suns in the 2016 NAB AFL Rookie Draft as a project defender. He came through the Suns' academy program.



The 190cm backman is still very lean and has spent the past two seasons playing in the club's NEAFL team.

Coach Rodney Eade conceded on Thursday Spencer's elevation to the senior team was "before his time", but was keen to see how the untried talent would perform.

After missing selection in the 2015 draft, Spencer has played 14 games in the NEAFL this season, providing plenty of drive off half-back with his smart decision-making and sound ball use.



Ruckman Daniel Curry has been added to the emergencies.