‘SPECIAL K’ is on his way back to the big time.

Gold Coast senior coach Guy McKenna has all but confirmed Karmichael Hunt will play his first senior match of 2014 when the Suns take on flag favourite Sydney at Metricon Stadium on Sunday.

McKenna said the fifth-placed Gold Coast would be treating the clash with the red-hot Swans as a final so Hunt, with his big body and big game experience, is in the frame for a call-up.

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A series of untimely injuries and illnesses as well as the Suns’ winning streak have conspired to keep the 27-year-old in the second-tier NEAFL.

But the former rugby league star has found the touch and fitness to demand a recall including a 30-disposal outing for the Suns reserves last weekend with McKenna describing him as a “big, red blip on the radar with No.7 on it’’.

“Karmichael’s form has been good over a month and he’s assured me he’s fit,” McKenna said.

media_camera Karmichael Hunt has returned to full fitness. Picture: Luke Marsden

“Given his hardness and his ability to stay strong over a contested footy, that’s what finals games are won and lost on, and we’re playing Sydney this weekend, so I’d give him a good chance.

“If you look at the constant over the last five weeks, Karmichael’s been in the best six (for the Suns reserves) each week.

“Given the way he performed last week, he’s certainly knocking, loud and clear, on the door.’’

Meanwhile, the trio of Danny Stanley (shoulder), Trent McKenzie (shoulder) and Rory Thompson (wrist) are in grave doubt for the showdown with Sydney and McKenna said the Suns will not risk anyone who is underdone.

Key defender Steven May, who signed a two-year contract extension keeping him at the Suns until the 2017 campaign, will once more be asked to nullify most of the Swans’ threats on Sunday.

May has been superb this season but had his colours lowered against the Crows with direct opponent Taylor Walker booting five goals.

McKenna said he was confident the 22-year-old would step up against the Swans.

“Deep down Maysie’s a competitor,” he said.

“I’m sure with Maysie’s natural competitive juices I wouldn’t want to be the one playing on him this week that’s for sure.”

- with AAP