With co-captain Steven May expected to miss Saturday's match in Cairns against the Western Bulldogs with a hamstring niggle, the Suns need another key defender.

May's likely replacement is Jack Leslie, who was also injured in the NEAFL at the weekend, but the club is confident will be available.

Jarryd Lyons suffered bone bruising to his lower leg against the Magpies, with Jesse Lonergan the front-runner to replace him.