One way or another Gold Coast's defensive project Karmichael Hunt is likely to miss the Suns trip to meet West Coast next weekend.

A crude tackle on Geelong ruckman Nathan Vardy in the opening minutes of Saturday night's 11 goal loss at Metricon stadium is expected to be scrutinised by the match review panel.

If the match review panel doesn't send Hunt on an enforced holiday then coach Guy McKenna said he might.

Hunt's crunching first quarter front-on bump on Vardy, who was bending over to pick up the ball, was highly dangerous.

The former Brisbane Bronco collected Vardy high and the Geelong ruckman appeared in serious trouble and possibly suffering a neck injury.

Play was delayed for several minutes while a stretcher was called as Vardy was made to lay flat on the ground so medicos could assess his condition.

Fortunately he rose to his feet and walked from the field, re-entering the battle in the next quarter which was good news for all parties involved.

Hunt seemed oblivious to the fuss about the incident, going on to play his best match for the Suns with 12 disposals and a memorable booming maiden goal from outside the 50 metre arc.

McKenna did not comment on the incident but admitted Hunt's due for a rest after suffering from cramps in the third term and being one of only seven players to be selected for every match.

"At some stage he is going to have a rest and he did cramp up, so that could be next week. It's a big ground in Perth, all those sorts of things," McKenna said.

"From a development point of view do we teach him more at the second level and drop him back? That's a decision we have to make."

The Suns showed enough fight and class in the first half to suggest their time to shine is not as far away as their early form indicated.

They led the competition's best side at quarter time and again at half time after being headed before crumbling to a 21.13 (139) to 10.13 (73) defeat.

Cats coach Chris Scott said it was only matter of time before the Suns emerged as a genuine force but that's likely to be later than sooner.

"If they can play that way for a whole game they will trouble a lot of sides," Scott said.

"They are going to scare a few sides in a few years, no doubt."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP