FORGOTTEN Gold Coast midfielder Michael Rischitelli will have to wait at least another week to return to the senior line-up in his comeback from an ACL injury suffered in round 16 last season.

Suns coach Rodney Eade said the plan had always been for Rischitelli to play at least one more reserves game, rather than to return this week for the side's clash with Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

The former Lion has played three NEAFL games as he builds his fitness, but Eade said a tougher match against the Swans' reserves this week would be a better guide to his recovery coming off two easy wins.

"That will be a good test for him to be able to get that contested part into his body," Eade said.

Rischitelli gathered 27 disposals and a goal in his latest NEAFL outing, showing signs that he could return to his best for the remainder of the season.

Attacking midfielder Aaron Hall's recovery from a hamstring injury has been faster than expected, and Eade said the Tasmanian would stake his claims to play against Collingwood next week.

"His recovery has been exceptional to be honest, so I'd imagine he will train next week with a view that he might be available next week," Eade said.

Brandon Matera's return date is less certain, with the dangerous forward yet to train since injuring his foot in round 13.

"He may be available next week, but I would think losing a bit of fitness that he will probably have to come back through the NEAFL," Eade said.

Matera has had his best season to date, booting 22 goals and solidifying a spot in the Suns line-up.

"He's got a few credits in the bank as well, because his form has been very good, except for his last game," Eade said.

Trent McKenzie will play his long-awaited 100th match this weekend, his first senior game since round 14 last season.

Eade said that McKenzie's ball use would be an important addition to the side with classy half-back Pearce Hanley out with a hamstring injury.

"He's such a good kick, and I think you need to kick it well, especially on a small ground," Eade said.

"He's had to work hard for his spot. His last two weeks have been very good."

Eade said Sydney was the in form side in the competition, and that Gold Coast's speed would not be enough to topple the Swans.

"They're back to full strength and they're playing exceptionally well," he said.

"We're not banking on a pace advantage. We've got to match their intensity in-tight, and we've done a fair bit of work on that this week."