VETERAN Nick Malceski says Steven May knows he's let his teammates down and the best thing he can now do is mentor his backline replacement.

May faces the Tribunal on Tuesday night for his high hit on Brisbane Lion Stefan Martin at the weekend and is expected to cop a lengthy ban.

May to front tribunal

It leaves Gold Coast in a hole ahead of hosting unbeaten North Melbourne on Saturday, with May set to join key defensive sidekick Rory Thompson (ankle) on the sidelines.

Malceski, a long-time defender who has been pushed to the wing this season, says May can still play a big role once his verdict is handed down.

"I think he knows he's let us down a little bit," Malceski told AFL.com.au.

"We have to get around him and make sure he's doing everything right and staying involved.

"He's been such an important player for us and he can mentor whoever comes in and give them some help during the week on their opponents and who he's played on in the past."

In his 10 years as a Sydney Swan, Malceski said he never faced an instance where the two primary defenders were missing, but the Suns got some practise last year.

May and Thompson missed three matches together last season and the Suns lost all three – by 92 points to West Coast, 69 to Collingwood, and seven on a wet afternoon against Fremantle.

Gold Coast will confront a Kangaroos forward line boasting tall targets Drew Petrie, Jarrad Waite and Ben Brown.

"Obviously it's a hole, but we've got guys playing good in the twos and I'm sure whoever will get the opportunity will embrace it and do the job they need to do," Malceski said.

"We were disappointed with our pressure against Brisbane and we have to bring that this week so they (North Melbourne) can't deliver the ball the way Brisbane did."

The Suns have won their past three matches against the Kangaroos, although Malceski can't put his finger on exactly why.

"Every team has a bogey team, but I think we just match up well against each other," he said.

"It's just a good contest.

"They're a dangerous team. I think their midfield is strong, they're good inside and their forward line is really potent.

"It's a midfield battle each week but it's really important this week and hopefully we turn up and play some good footy."