Seb Tape’s impressive return to AFL football has come on the back of hard work and dedication according to GC SUNS defensive coach Dean Solomon. 

“Seb has gone about his rehab brilliantly and left no stone unturned to ensure he was ready to go when we thought he was ready for senior football.” Solomon told goldcoastfc.com.au on Monday.

Solomon says Tape’s return to the back-six gives his defenders a much-needed boost across half-back, with his competitiveness and unwillingness to shy away from the contest on full display against the Tigers on Saturday afternoon.

“Everyone is different and brings something to unique to the table but what Seb brings is his competitive nature,” 

“It’s a real trait of his game and it was great to see him get some reward for effort on the weekend,” Solomon said.

The 20-year-old South Australian finished with eight disposals, four marks, six tackles and a team-high eight one-percenters in the North Queensland clash at Cazaly’s Stadium. 

It was his impromptu role on Jack Reiwoldt that had Solomon most impressed, keeping the two-time Coleman Medallist out of the contest as he finished with just one goal for the afternoon.

“When Thompson went down with an injury he played on Jack Reiwoldt, one of the best forwards in the competition and held his own,” said Solomon.

“Seb’s challenge now is to back that up for the rest of the year and play consistent football because you can never doubt his effort.”

While the key defender was still reeling from the side’s nine-point loss at Sunday’s beach recovery session, he did say it was great to be back on the park playing senior football after waiting patiently on the wings for his knee to be medically cleared for action.

“I’m just really glad to be back playing alongside the rest of the boys,” Tape said.

“I still have areas of my game that I’d like to improve on and I look forward to doing that throughout the rest of the season.”

But for now, Solomon is just glad to have the fearless Gold Coaster at his coaching disposal.

“He provides that flexibility to play on talls and smalls in the back pocket which is really handy for us,” Solomon said.

“The more type of those players you’re able to get in your backline makes the game a lot easier.

“We’re certainly excited to have him back.”