The coach of dropped Gold Coast AFL talent Aaron Hall says the polarising midfielder has earned his recall against Melbourne at the Gabba.
The Tasmanian is off contract and reportedly looking elsewhere after seven years at a club where he has both wowed and frustrated.
Rookie coach Stuart Dew has a penchant for defensive pressure. He asked to see more of it when he dropped the midfielder after the Suns' round-four loss last month to West Coast in his 100th AFL game.
A week later, the 27-year-old responded with 31 touches, two goals and 11 clearances in Gold Coast's first NEAFL win over Sydney in five years.
Injuries to Matt Rosa (shoulder) and Jesse Joyce (quadricep) have opened the door for Hall's return in what will also mark the injury comeback of Suns co-captain Steven May (finger).
Speaking earlier in the season, May said Hall needed to lift his work rate and Dew said this week he had responded as hoped.
"Hally went back to work on some things and we've really seen a good shift in all his play," he said.
"He's handled his role the last few weeks exceptionally well with his attitude and his approach."
The Suns (3-4) fell just short of the Western Bulldogs last week in Ballarat despite being without May and fellow co-captain Tom Lynch (knee).
Key forward Lynch remains on the sidelines but Dew has thrust versatile midfielder Jack Martin into the forward pocket to try to yield points against the Demons (4-3).
"With Pearce (Hanley) going down, we put Jack back for some creativity and run and carry," Dew said.
"But with Lynchy out, we think Jack can hit the scoreboard."
The Demons have won their past two on the back of a supreme contested-possession rate - their +16.1 differential is double any other club's in the AFL.
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin has made just one change to his side for the game in Brisbane as Christian Salem returns from a broken thumb.
