GOLD Coast will take a softly-softly approach with returning duo Seb Tape and Trent McKenzie, bringing them back through the reserves in round one.
Tape is in the latter stages of his recovery from a complete knee reconstruction, while McKenzie has been dogged by knee tendonitis during the pre-season.
When fit, both are in the Suns' best 22, but are expected to spend at least a month at the lower level to regain match fitness.
Tape, 20, is one of the most unheralded of the Suns' original crop of draftees, and the club was rapt to extend his contract until the end of 2015 earlier in the week.
General manager of football operations Marcus Ashcroft said Tape was "an outstanding young man and we think going forward he can be a real role model for our club and a real ambassador for our community".
Karmichael Hunt last year said the defender was the most fearless player at the club.
Tape took a typically optimistic approach to his nine months out since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament against North Melbourne in round 12 last year.
"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."
The off-season additions of Hawthorn's Tom Murphy and Fremantle's Greg Broughton have allowed the Suns to take extra care with Tape's recovery, knowing they already have a more solid defensive unit in place.
Tape said he relished the challenge of winning his spot back once he returned to the field.
"It's been great having extra senior guys around to learn from," he said.
Similarly, McKenzie extended his contract earlier this week, but will have to spend time in the twos to regain his senior spot after an interrupted pre-season.
It's been a difficult 12 months for 'the cannon' after he burst on to the AFL scene in 2011 with his booming left boot.
He struggled for form and consistency last season with a number of niggles limiting his training.
"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."
Trent McKenzie is a defender in NAB AFL Fantasy. He averaged 70.6 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy Hub.
Michael Whiting covers Gold Coast news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting
