GOLD COAST Suns look set to welcome back two key players for Sunday’s match against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

Star midfielder Aaron Hall will return, after surprisingly being omitted from the Suns’ senior side for their Round 12 loss to Richmond, while rebounding defender Adam Saad has overcome a hamstring injury.

Ruckman Dan Currie is also a chance to return, however Kade Kolodjashnij is considered an unlikely starter, after suffering a severe concussion against the Tigers.

The Suns had the bye in Round 13, meaning Sunday’s match will be their first in a fortnight.

After winning their first three matches in 2016, the Suns have lost their past nine – including five defeats by 10 or more goals.

However, the Suns appeared to turn the corner against Richmond in Round 12, leading midway through the final quarter before being defeated by 17 points.

Rodney Eade’s side has had a horror run with injury over the past two months. But with Sam Day, Rory Thompson and Trent McKenzie returning before the bye – and Hall and Saad likely to come in this week, the Suns are getting closer to fielding their best 22.

Key players

Hawthorn can’t afford to be too player-conscious, however they will need to keep an eye on two Suns in particular – skipper Gary Ablett Jr and vice-captain Tom Lynch.

Ablett averages 26.8 disposals, 6.7 clearances and seven tackles per game, while Lynch is fast establishing himself as one of the competition’s best key forwards – kicking 39 goals for the season and averaging more than six marks per game.

Potential changes

With Hall and Saad set to come in, the Suns look set for at least two changes.

Kolodjashnij is expected to miss, while Sean Lemmens (hamstring) and Jesse Lonergan (illness) are also unlikely to play, according to AFL.com.au.

Currie could come in to offer ruck support for Tom Nicholls, while former Hawk Mitch Hallahan may be a chance after a couple of strong performances in the NEAFL.