REPLACING Steven May is not a one-man job, says Gold Coast defender Adam Saad.

May was suspended for five matches after his QClash hit on Lions ruckman Stefan Martin, and the Suns' first test without him comes on Saturday against North Melbourne's tall timber.

With the Suns already missing May's fellow defensive pillar Rory Thompson with an ankle injury, Saad says it will need a collective effort to stop the Kangaroos.

It's an area of the ground in which the Suns will struggle for depth, and the competition leaders boast tall targets Drew Petrie (197cm), Ben Brown (200cm) and red-hot Jarrad Waite (194cm).

Saad admits covering May's absence is not an easy task, but one the Suns are capable of.

"Losing players like Rory and Maysie, we have less experience now, and we all know how good they are, but I think we can cover with the depth we've got," Saad told AFL.com.au.

"It's not just the players that play on them, it's a collective and a back-six thing.

"They're a bit taller and we have to chop each other out and help out.

"Some players are going to be shorter than their opponents, but if we can work together as one and nullify them, I think it will go a long way towards us winning the game."

Gold Coast will choose from Clay Cameron, Keegan Brooksby, Henry Schade or possibly elevate rookie Tom Keough to play in key defence.

Sam Day has also defended in the past and could revert to the back 50 if needed, with Peter Wright and Jarrad Grant waiting to step in.

"They're pretty tall with Brown, Waite and Petrie ... but we're up for any challenge that comes our way," Saad said.

"They've been in good form, but hopefully we can keep them to a minimum and limit the damage we know they can do."

Saad said he and fellow running defenders Kade Kolodjashnij and Jarrod Harbrow would still look to launch the Suns' attacks despite the extra responsibility.

"It's playing foundation footy," he said.

"Forwards usually take you to the ball and if we can defend well and beat them, you can get the ball from there. We've still got to attack, but it comes off our defence."