Saturday, 17 August 2019:

Suns coach STUART DEW smiles during a Gold Coast Suns AFL training session at Bond University AFL Field in Gold Coast, Australia.

The build up to Sunday's AFL clash at Marvel Stadium has been all about farewelling Hawthorn champion Jarryd Roughead, and rightly so, but spare a thought for Gold Coast coach Stuart Dew.

The Suns are desperately trying to snap a 16-game losing streak and would've had their hands full beating the Hawks on any given day.

Dew really didn't need Hawthorn's players to be handed the added incentive of seeing off Roughy in winning style but he doesn't begrudge his 2008 premiership teammate a final curtain call.

"Taking my Gold Coast hat off I think it's fantastic that all the Hawthorn supporters will get to say thanks to Roughy, which is important when someone has given so much to a football club," Dew said.

"I know the football club has given him a lot as well so it's a win-win situation.

"It should be an exciting atmosphere for our lads to play in.

"We look at it as a good opportunity ... we're happy for him but we'd love to spoil it.

"He's had enough wins in his career, I don't think he needs another one."

Roughead, who will play his 283rd AFL game on Sunday, announced this week that he would retire at the end of the season.

While Dew is good mates with Roughead, he said he would not be looking to entice the four-time premiership champion to continue his career with the Suns in a role similar to the one Luke Hodge has played so well with Brisbane.

Gold Coast brought in former Cats George Horlin-Smith and Jordan Murdoch for the clash but were unable to recall Jack Martin, who starred in the NEAFL last week after being dropped but copped a knock in that match.

The Hawks added Roughead to the side that upset GWS in the Canberra snow last week and also regained Jack Gunston and Ben McEvoy from injury.

AAP