KARMICHAEL Hunt's AFL career is set to be revived, with Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna giving a strong indication he would pick the midfielder for Sunday's match against the Sydney Swans.

Hunt has not played a game in 2014, having to overcome a host of setbacks including a toe injury, staph infection, gastro bug and concussion.

But after a strong month in the NEAFL, including a 30-disposal effort at the weekend, he appears set to return to the big time.

McKenna said Hunt now had the endurance to run out a full game after his disrupted season, and made a strong case for his inclusion against the hardened Swans.

"Karmichael's form has been good over a month, and he's assured me he's fit," McKenna said.

"Given his hardness and his ability to stay strong over a contested footy, that's what finals games are won and lost on, and we're playing Sydney this weekend, so I'd give him a good chance."

McKenna said Hunt was close to selection against Adelaide last week, but the rugby league convert asked for another match in the reserves to get total confidence in his fitness.

Hunt is out of contact at season's end and is the centre of constant speculation about a return to league, but McKenna said his recall to the seniors would be based purely on form.

"He'll get this game based on his form and his ability to endure a full game of AFL football," McKenna said.

"He'll get this game, if he plays this weekend, based on merit, the way he's been playing.

"If you look at the constant over the last five weeks, Karmichael's been in the best six each week."

McKenna may also be required to make some forced changes, with defenders Rory Thompson (wrist), Danny Stanley (shoulder) and Trent McKenzie (shoulder) all under serious injury clouds.

"This weekend is going to be like a final, we've got to treat it that way," he said.

"Taking injured blokes into finals, don't come up. We'll assess that later in the week."

Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting