Former Fremantle and Essendon enforcer Dean Solomon has become Gold Coast's latest recruit, joining the AFL club as an assistant coach.

Solomon, who was a member of the Bombers' 2000 premiership team, has worked as a development coach at the Dockers since announcing his injury-forced AFL retirement in February.

The 30-year-old never took a backward step during his 209-game playing career and was highly regarded by Fremantle's coaching staff for his ability to pass on knowledge to the team's youngsters during his three years at the Dockers.

"I really appreciate not only the opportunity Fremantle gave me as a player but, after being forced into retirement by injury, the club was also good enough to give me a coaching role," Solomon said.

"I can't thank them enough for that.

"I think Fremantle is on the right path, so that's made it a very hard decision to leave.

"But the move to Gold Coast is an exciting new challenge for me."

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said Solomon's fierce approach to the game would be a key element of his coaching career.

"It's a credit to the culture and environment that we have at Fremantle that other clubs would look at our people to take up positions with them," Harvey said.

"You also have to take into account the way Dean played the game and how that has contributed to him getting such an opportunity now."

Solomon will link up with the Suns in October, joining fellow assistants Ken Hinkley and Shaun Hart under senior coach Guy McKenna.

"We are building a strong culture at the Gold Coast Suns," McKenna said.

"We will be bold, fresh and relentless in our approach and Dean is a good fit for what we have ahead of us.

"He was a player who was able to get the very best out of himself and consistently perform above expectations despite having to give a bit away in height and weight.

"That is what you can expect from the Suns next year as we take a group of young players into the AFL."

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