Seb Tape will make his long-awaited return to the AFL this Saturday, with the courageous defender named to play against Port Adelaide at Metricon Stadium.

The 22-year-old has battled an on-going hamstring complaint this season, but following a string of consistent performances with the Gold Coast SUNS NEAFL team, including a best-on-ground display in his most recent outing, Tape has regained the fitness and form needed to push for a first-team call-up.

General Manager - Football Operations, Marcus Ashcroft, praised the resilient defender.

“We admire Seb for how hard he has had worked to overcome long-term injuries this year,” Ashcroft said.

“He invested tireless hours in the gym and on the training track during his time on the sidelines.

“We’re excited by his return and are looking forward to him returning to the team on Saturday afternoon.”

In equally exciting news, key forward Charlie Dixon will make his return from a quad injury which has kept the Gold Coast spearhead out of action since the side’s round 18 loss to Brisbane.

“Charlie has been progressing well and trained strongly during Wednesday’s main training session."

Livewire Timmy Sumner also receives another senior opportunity, joining Brandon Matera, Jesse Lonergan and Alex Sexton on the SUNS interchange bench.

As confirmed by goldcoastfc.com.au in this week’s Injury Update, in-form backman Steven May has been ruled out with a hamstring strain, while Matt Shaw and Aaron Hall have both been omitted from the senior team.

Round 21 AFL Premiership Team
B: S. Tape, R. Thompson, G. Broughton
HB: S. Lemmens, T. McKenzie, D. Swallow
C: J. Harbrow, D. Stanley, K. Kolodjashnij
HF: M. Rischitelli, T. Lynch, H. Bennell
F: J. Martin, S. Day, C. Dixon
R: D. Gorringe, J. O’Meara, D. Prestia
INT: B. Matera, T. Sumner, J. Lonergan, A. Sexton

Emergencies: A. Hall, M Warnock, L. Herbert

In: Sumner, Tape, Dixon
Out: May (hamstring), Shaw (omit), A. Hall (omit)