DAVID Swallow appears certain to line up against Greater Western Sydney on Saturday after missing the opening round with an ankle injury.

If he plays it will be his first senior match since July, 2015.

Swallow was set to face the Brisbane Lions at the weekend, but picked up the ankle problem last Thursday and was a late withdrawal after failing a game-day fitness test.

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft told the club's website the former number one draft pick looked good to play this weekend.

"He's a real chance," Ashcroft said.

"Based on the way he's started this week, with his early preparation, he should be OK.

"He just needs to complete training on Thursday and he should be an automatic in."

Swallow has had a nightmare 18 months, suffering persistent knee problems that wiped out his entire 2016.

His thirst for the contest would add some much needed grunt to a Suns midfield that was blown away in the opening quarter by the Lions.