Gold Coast midfielder David Swallow will return to the AFL this weekend after Suns coach Rodney Eade confirmed his inclusion to the Suns' website on Thursday.

Swallow hasn't played since round 15, 2015 and will make his long awaited debut after being a late withdrawal before their loss to Brisbane in round one.

Eade confirmed Swallow will take the field in place of Pearce Hanley, who is back in Ireland for family reasons.

“David is playing,” Eade said.

“David is selected, he’ll replace Pearce.

"Pearce is away for family matters but David’s first game. Unfortunately it’s been delayed by a week, we certainly would have loved to have had him last week but he’ll play.

“So they’ll be pleased to see him back.”