Sebastian Tape Biography

The Suns will take a cautious approach with Seb Tape and Trent McKenzie, with both players returning from knee injuries via the reserves.

"It's been definitely challenging, but I think it's good to experience those things early and build a bit of character and find out who around you is there to support you," Tape said.

"I'm really positive about how I can attack that sort of an injury and feel really comfortable now coming back with the footy and looking forward to playing some games."

"It was pretty tough. I tried to look forward and finish the year off strong, which I think I went all right. Hopefully I can start earlier this and have a good year," McKenzie said.

"It's been a tough pre-season for myself but I know it's a big season ahead. Hopefully I can get on the track pretty soon and play some footy."

Zac Smith, Trent McKenzie and Seb Tape are among five Gold Coast players who have signed contract extensions.

The trio - all inaugural members of the squad - have been joined by Queenslanders Jackson Allen and Clay Cameron.

Former first-round draft pick Seb Tape will miss the remainder of 2012 after scans confirmed he will need reconstructive surgery on his right knee.

"The nature of the injury means Seb will miss the rest of the 2012 season and will be in rehabilitation mode when the 2013 pre-season commences," Suns football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft said.

Seb Tape is set for second stint on sidelines after injuring knee against North Melbourne when his right leg was caught under Kangaroos' small forward Lindsay Thomas.

"Sebby's looks bad. A bit too early to assess that at the moment, but it looks nasty," Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said.

"We'll have fingers and legs and arms and everything else crossed for him, but early signs is it's not good."

Just two weeks after having three teeth knocked out, Suns defender Seb Tape was back at his courageous best with 21 disposals against Essendon.

"He's a very humble man," Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said.

"At training on Wednesday he copped two smacks in the chops just 24 hours after root canal.

"You want to talk about courage and effort, it's Seb Tape all over. When he's right, he's playing most weeks for us because we know what we get."

Sebastian Tape makes his AFL debut for Gold Coast at the Gabba with 11 disposals (9 kicks and 2 handballs), 8 marks and 3 tackles in a 119-point loss to Carlton.