David Swallow’s ability to play as a half-back flanker will give the Gold Coast SUNS great flexibility going forward, according to assistant coach Dean Solomon.

Swallow, the Club’s inaugural No.1 draft pick, showed flashes of brilliance in defence this year, including a career performance against Fremantle in Round 6 where he kept serial pest Hayden Ballantyne scoreless for the entire match.

Whilst developing a shut-down game, the Gold Coaster was also used as an attacking weapon out of defence – creating all sorts of headaches for opposition coaches with Guy McKenna entrusting Swallow and Trent McKenzie to use their attacking run out of the backline.

It’s a strategy saw Hawthorn secure top spot after the home and away season, with elite midfielders Sam Mitchell and Luke Hodge spending more time at half-back this year – providing great run and carry to the midfield.

GC SUNS assistant coach – Dean Solomon, told goldcoastfc.com.au’s Swallow ability to assist in defence could be exploited further in 2014.

“He had a stint there for a period of four-five weeks and really developed a great offensive and defensive balance to his game,” Solomon said.

“He certainly improved his one-on-one defensive skills, and proved a handful at times against quality opponents.”

“To add that string to his bow is a credit to him.”

With Ablett resigned to spending more time in the forwardline, Solomon said there was a good chance the rest of the squad would be forced to adapt to different positions in an effort to make the SUNS less predictable next season.

“Luke Russell, Jesse Lonergan, Dion Prestia, Jack Martin and even Gary going forward, Dave doesn’t shirk the issue – he can go in the middle when needed, kick goals at half-forward and settle our backline down.

“His flexibility to play mid, and both ends of the ground, makes him a real asset to the team.”