GOLD Coast ruckman Zac Smith could make a shock return to the senior team against St Kilda on Sunday after not playing a game for 12 months.

Smith ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against the Western Bulldogs last year, and a recall would see him play on the one-year anniversary of the incident.

Suns coach Guy McKenna said the 24-year-old was in the frame for selection, with Tom Nicholls (knee) and Dan Gorringe (Achilles) both on the injured list.

“Zac is confident that he is ready to go and Stephen Schwerdt (high performance manager) echoes his thoughts," McKenna said.

"As a match committee we’ve discussed it briefly, and we will continue to do so throughout the week.

"It is fair to say it would be unconventional to play him straight up, however his training program would suggest he is fit enough to do so."

Smith was put on the long-term injury list, but has been a regular at training with the rest of the senior squad over the past six weeks.

He has done plenty of fitness work and participated in most match simulation sessions.

Although Charlie Dixon, Rory Thompson and Sam Day could all play in the ruck, Smith is the standout option and would not rob the Suns of their key position talent.

"I’m fit, strong and feel ready to play," Smith said.

"I’ve known for a while now that I would be returning to play footy this coming weekend and that has really helped with my training.

"My knee feels really good. I feel as if I’ve jumped the mental hurdles that people talk about in recent weeks.

"I understand that it would be unusual to go straight into the senior team, but the conditioning work I’ve done over the last month or so gives me great confidence to put my hand up for selection should the coaches want to play me."

Smith has played 44 games since making his debut in the Suns' inaugural game against Carlton in 2011.

Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting