By Michael Whiting

Gold Coast utility Matt Shaw says running out on the MCG on Sunday would fulfill a childhood dream.

Like many of his young teammates, 19-year-old Shaw will play his first match – if selected – on the hallowed turf when the Suns play Melbourne.

In a debut season that has yielded just three wins and has Gold Coast sitting in 16th position, the club's first match at the famous ground is a huge highlight.

Despite being raised in Melbourne and playing for the Dandenong Stingrays in the TAC Cup, Shaw said he had never had a chance to play on the MCG.

"All my life I have dreamed of playing on the `G," Shaw said.

"To have it happen this week, if I get picked, would be amazing.''

Two men who have experienced plenty of action on the ground are Suns coach Guy McKenna and captain Gary Ablett who both won premierships there with West Coast and Geelong respectively.

After losing to Adelaide by 61 points last weekend, McKenna said his players should not let the opportunity slip.

"That's where the best games and best players have played. We're not playing there in September, but here's a dress rehearsal, so prepare yourself and get ready for the MCG," McKenna said.

"I'm sure Melbourne want to do well for their supporters and members and it's an opportunity to play on the MCG and we can't give it up."

Ablett said it would be a big game for the young group.

"That's where finals footy is played and that's where you want to play well. It'll be a good experience for the boys to get out there and play on the 'G and hopefully the next couple of years we'll be out there playing finals footy," Ablett said.

Shaw was one of the rare bright notes in the loss against the Crows, kicking two goals and collecting 18 disposals.

Despite saying it was getting harder to "get up" for games as the debut season wore on, Shaw said he was now feeling more comfortable at senior level.

"When I first made my debut, I was a bit star struck with all the big names around me,'' Shaw said.

"You sort of question whether you belong. But slowly as the season has gone on, I have developed confidence in myself and begun laying a few tackles and kicking a few goals. So hopefully it snowballs from there."

Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting