Gold Coast SUNS captain Touk Miller’s incredible season has been recognised with the midfielder taking out the 2022 AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award.
Miller finished the AFL home and away season tied with Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver on 98 votes to be a joint-winner of the 2022 Award.
Elevated to Gold Coast’s co-captaincy this season, Miller confirmed his standing as one of the elite midfielders in the AFL competition.
He was instrumental in the SUNS recording its best season in club history, with 10 wins and a percentage over 100 for the first time.
Leading the charge in Gold Coast’s improved midfield, Miller played all 22 games and averaged 29 disposals, six tackles and eight clearances per game.
Playing in every match in season 2022, Miller polled coaches votes in 15 of those matches to finish with 98 votes.
He polled high scores consistently across the season, with the maximum ten coaches votes in one round.
Second place has been taken out by Brisbane Lions’ Lachie Neale with 92 votes, while third place went to Oliver’s midfield teammate Christian Petracca with 89 votes.
FULL VOTES & LEADERBOARD: 2022 AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION CHAMPION PLAYER OF THE YEAR
SUNS Senior Coach Stuart Dew spoke of Miller’s dedication and leadership on and off the field.
“As a football club we are proud of our captain for what he has achieved in winning this award,” Dew said.
“It’s a true measure of his influence on the outcomes of games throughout the 2022 AFL Season.
“He leads the way for our club in his preparation, mindset and effort and provides a great role model for those around him.
“It has been an absolute privilege in my time at the SUNS to get to have a front row seat to his dedication to the club and game. Touk deserves everything that comes his way.”
AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson congratulated Oliver and Miller on winning the Award.
“What an exciting season and result for the 2022 AFL Coaches Association Champion Player Award,” Nicholson said.
“Touk’s game went to new heights last season and he continued that in 2022 having a tremendous season leading Gold Coast on and off the field.
“For Clayton, taking out the Coaches Award back-to-back and producing another exceptional season following the Demons Premiership last year, is a credit to him and his commitment, talent and work ethic.
“In our eyes this is one of the most prestigious Awards in the AFL which both Clayton and Touk should be honoured to receive as coaches have a unique view on the game and allocate their votes with care and consideration.”
The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.
Previous winners list: www.aflcoaches.com.au/awards/the-aflca-champion-player-of-the-year-award
