STEVEN May says his heated quarter-time exchange with Tom Lynch on Saturday was all about keeping every Gold Coast player accountable, no matter what their stature in the team.

May was quick to drag Lynch away from quarter-time melee against the Brisbane Lions, giving the fired-up forward a few choice words as they left the scuffle. 

Lynch, a Suns leader who has occasionally filled in as skipper in Gary Ablett's absence, pushed May away as the pair continued the exchange.

Speaking on Wednesday, May said there were no hard feelings and it was all part of a push for more leadership at the Suns. 

"Before the game, 'Lynchy' brought us in and spoke about a few standards we wanted to maintain against the Lions," May said. 

"I just noticed he was getting caught into it too much, so I just ran over to pull him out.

"He turned around and pushed me out of frustration.

"I was just keeping him accountable to what he spoke to us about before the game."

May said he was taken aback by Lynch's shove, but the key forward apologised shortly afterwards.

Lynch went on to kick five goals and win the Marcus Ashcroft Medal for best afield in the scrappy 14-point victory.

May said since Rodney Eade's arrival as coach, all the Suns had been encouraged to challenge each other.

"There shouldn't be double standards for the playing group," May said. 

"I challenged him (Lynch) even though he is one of the senior players. That's what we want, we want it from Adam Saad or Kade Kolodjashnij, right up to Gary Ablett and David Swallow.

"That's the direction we're trying to head, to make sure everyone's a leader.

"You shouldn't feel uncomfortable speaking up for what's right and what we stand for.

"We need more players to keep each other accountable."