GOLD COAST have received a boost ahead of Saturday night’s clash against Hawthorn, with key defender Steven May’s suspension overturned by the AFL Tribunal.

May was handed a one-week suspension by the Match Review Panel for rough conduct on Monday but the Suns’ decision to challenge the ban was vindicated on Tuesday night.

It is a welcome boost for Gold Coast ahead of the clash with Hawthorn, given May has been one of their big improvers so far in 2014.

Athletic for his size at 190cm, May is the perfect third tall defender and his inclusion in the side to take on the Hawks will be crucial, given the tall forwards in brown and gold.

May could find himself on Jack Gunston, who is of similar build and athletic prowess. He could go with him up the ground and deep inside 50.

The defender also has a lethal left foot and is not unlike Grant Birchall or Matt Suckling at Hawthorn, given he provides great run off half back and is often the link-up player out of defence.

He is ranked equal second at the Suns for rebound 50s –a key player in their ability to set up counterattacks plus his long left foot can clear the forward pressure applied by the opposition.

Interestingly, he’s ranked number one at the club for one percenters (44 for the season) – he’s actually had double the one percenters than Hawthorn star Josh Gibson (22).

He is also ranked second for marks and seventh for effective disposal, with an average of 68.7.

The Suns will, however, be without speedy forward Brandon Matera who’ll miss a week through suspension.

Like May, Matera was cited by the MRP on Monday for rough conduct but opted to accept his one-match ban.

It is a blow to the Suns, with Matera one of their most dangerous small forwards with his goal sense, speed and pressure all hallmarks of his game.

He has kicked four goals this season.