IN A HUGE vote of confidence for code-hopper Karmichael Hunt, Gold Coast assistant coach Dean Solomon says the Suns missed his defensive presence against North Melbourne on Saturday night.

Hunt was sent back to the reserves to develop the attacking side of his game, and the move may last just one week after Solomon admitted his absence was felt in the 59-point loss.

Hunt responded just the way Gold Coast coaching staff had wanted, racking up 25-plus disposals against two-time defending AFLQ premiers Morningside at Broadbeach on Saturday.

Solomon said not even "12 Stephen Silvagnis" could have stopped the Kangaroos on Saturday night, but Hunt would have been useful.

"We do miss him a bit, no doubt," he said.

"He's provided some great leadership back there. He's such a competitor and that's what we want among our back six.

"We do miss him, but it's more about education and development of his game going forward that we're looking at right now.

"Internally we're rapt with him. It's been through the media he's copping the criticism. On the back of eight or nine games he's played, he's shown great leadership values, and on the weekend he's gone back and done exactly what we asked of him which is a credit to himself."

Solomon said while no decision had been made yet, Hunt would clearly come into consideration for Saturday's match against Hawthorn in Launceston.

"We can't ask any more of him," Solomon said.

"We sent him back there to get his hands on the ball a fair bit and get used to that and he's shown just how coachable he is. He's gone back and done that well and has definitely put his hand up."

Hunt said he enjoyed his run in reserves and was happy to continue developing there again this weekend if that's what the coaching staff wanted.

Despite cramping in the fourth quarter, the 24-year-old said he gained confidence as the match went on.

"I had my oxygen tanks screaming out for air there for most of the game. It was good to be on-ball and get my hands on the pill a bit," he said.

"I did feel like some of the players were trying to work me over and keep me away from the ball, but I just put my head down and bum up and tried to go after it as much as I could.

"Centre bounces I was trying to be the hunter, but on boundary throw-ins and what-not, I was trying to create a bit of space for (Harley) Bennell and a couple of the other boys.

"It was a good lesson. I really enjoyed being out there and learned a lot of things so I can't wait to keep pushing forward with my game and keep building."