Career
Playing as a midfielder, Tapai debuted with Footscray JUST at age 18 in the National Soccer League. He never got much of a chance at Stoke making just once appearance for the club which came as a substitute in a 2–2 with Crewe Alexandra in the Football League Trophy on 6 January 1993. Tapai then signed with Portuguese club Estoril, participating in the 1993-1994 Primeira Divisão season, where he scored his only goal against Benfica, but moved back to play in Australia.
After ending his playing career Tapai went into coaching.
Tapai played 52 games (37 "A" games) for the Australian national team between 1986 and 1998. He was part of the Australia squad that claimed 2nd place at the 1997 Fédération internationale de football association Confederations Cup.
Australian manager Terry Venables received criticism for bringing on Tapai in the 1997 World Cup Qualifier against Iran. Australia needed a goal and Tapai was not the man many viewed as being a viable attacking option.
International goals.